As a cold front brings freezing weather and even snow to parts of South Africa, Eskom says that stage 4 load-shedding was implemented from 13:00 due to high demand and a reduction in generating capacity.

Before the announcement, load-shedding was suspended daily from midnight to 16:00, whereafter stage 3 came into effect during peak hours.

The power utility says stage 4 was implemented from 13:00 and will last until 05:00 tomorrow. It adds that an update on an extended load-shedding outlook will follow shortly.

Eskom pleads with the public to switch off all non-essential appliances to assist in reducing demand.

Yesterday, Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the power grid’s generation capacity showed continued signs of improvement and stabilisation, resulting in Eskom keeping to stage 3 or lower power cuts.