NATIONAL NEWS - Eskom has confirmed that it has commenced with stage 1 load shedding.
Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe said the load shedding was caused by intimidation and acts of sabotage earlier in the day. He said municipalities must determine which areas will be affected.
Earlier, Eskom admitted that South Africa faces a real risk of load shedding and has asked South Africans to lower power consumption in a bid to avoid this.
Power consumption can be lowered by switching off geysers, pool pumps, heaters and non-essential appliances in the peak period between five in the afternoon and eight in the evening.
The utility added it is load shedding according to published load shedding schedules which are available on the Eskom website (loadshedding.eskom.co.za) or at local municipalities if you are a municipal customer.
Eskom customers can also contact our customer call centre on 0860 037 566 (08600 ESKOM).
