"Regretfully, due to additional breakdowns overnight, Eskom was unable to replenish the emergency generation reserves, which has worsened the current generation capacity constraints. Stage 4 load shedding will therefore be implemented from 10:00 this morning until 05:00 on Monday morning. 

"This is to replenish the emergency reserves in order to contain load shedding to lower stages next week.

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"A generation unit at Kendal was forced offline for emergency repairs while a unit each at Majuba, Lethabo and Camden power stations, as well as Hydro de Cahorra Bassa in Mozambique, were shut down for critical planned maintenance in preparation for the week ahead.

"Overnight a generation unit each at Kusile and Tutuka power stations returned to service.

"We currently have 5 579 MW on planned maintenance, while another 16 599MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.

"Eskom will hold a media briefing on Monday to update the public on the state of the power system. Any further significant changes will be promptly communicated. Eskom therefore urges all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly."

Eskom statement