Eskom, the country’s struggling power utility announced that the fourth phase of load shedding will continue until further notice.
The state utility said in a statement on Sunday afternoon that it would provide an update as soon as possible.
More damaged
Eskom says its power stations, Camden, Grootvlei, Lethabo and Majube have been damaged and are being repaired.
“When each unit is in Kriel and Lethabo power station [was] return to service. The return to service of every unit at the Duvha, Matla and Tutuka power stations has been delayed.
Parastatal said that the planned maintenance is 6 049MW “while the current damage is about 17 163MW of generating capacity.”
He urged the public to reduce the use of electricity and use it sparingly.
Load shedding whiplash
Just two days ago, the prince of darkness in the powerless parastatal announced that the 4th and 5th stages will be held from 5am on Thursday to Sunday afternoon.
The higher stages are due to damage at Camden, Kendal, Lethabo and Majuba power stations earlier this week.
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South Africans are left with the grim reality that constant blackouts are now a part of our existence, with permanent loads in stages 2 and 3 set to take place on the ‘good days’ over the next two years.
Eskom has many problems
Parastatals are also plagued by corruption in key factories, organized crime syndicates targeting coal trucks and skills drainage problems with skilled workers leaving for better opportunities abroad or through retrenchment.
In addition, Eskom’s complicated financial situation is affecting its ability to buy solar to run power plants.
If that wasn’t enough, the recent decision by the US to suspend the pact allowing South Africa to buy nuclear fuel for the Koeberg flagship station has been suspended.
The Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy between the US and South Africa expires on December 4.
Additional reporting by Narissa Subramoney