The rolling blackouts come in spite of generation units at Kriel and a unit each at Kendal, Komati, Lethabo, Majuba and Matla power stations returning to service on Saturday.

"The load shedding will be used to replenish emergency generation reserves during the night to bolster generation capacity,” says Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.

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"To the extent possible, Eskom will endeavour to limit load shedding to night-time to have minimal impact on the economy and population.”

Mantshantsha says a generating unit each at Kendal and Kusile power stations have been taken offline for repairs.