“We anticipate that this will continue until 9pm tonight. This is due to the impact of the current illegal protest action by some Eskom employees at various sites over wage increases,” Eskom said in a statement.

“Eskom is working with all the relevant stakeholders to keep its plants operating optimally, however, there is a high risk of load shedding over the weekend too.”

Eskom calls on all consumers to assist by reducing their electricity consumption by switching off geysers, electric heating, pool pumps, and all non-essential appliances throughout the day.

Customers are cautioned to treat all electrical connections as live during this period.

“We would like to thank our workers who have continued working under very difficult circumstances and all South Africans who have heeded the call to action to use electricity sparingly.”

The City of Ekurhuleni  will start with load shedding immediately based on schedules as advertised on its website.

The Brakpan schedule can  be downloaded here