Families resigned to strict schedules that seldom varied between the 17:00 to 19:00 slot, while several residents of eMalahleni admitted to experiencing no load-shedding at all, despite a debt of R6.311 billion owed to Eskom by their municipality.

Frequently asked questions from residents about who determines load-shedding schedules and why Middelburg residents suffered no reprieve, were directed to Eskom’s media desk, with very little feedback received.

Eskom explained that load-shedding is implemented as a “last resort”, schedules are drawn up in advance, and networks are switched off according to the predetermined plan to ensure that all customers experience load-shedding equitably, and in accordance with the published schedule.

The entity side-stepped any enquiries on whether certain towns or suburbs experience more aggressive load-shedding schedules due to placing more strain on the grid.

Eskom’s response as to why part of eMalahleni did not experience load-shedding, only stated that it has nothing to do with debt owed by any customer, and only to protect the grid.

The media statement also stipulated that Eskom requests municipalities to reduce their load, and that each municipality activates and implements load-shedding amongst their customers. The municipalities are also expected to determine and share their load-shedding schedules with customers.

Finally, Eskom responded that load-shedding will remain a risk and possibility until the country can build an additional 4 000 MW to 6 000 MW of generation capacity, placing the onus of procuring the generation capacity on the Department of Mineral Resources.