Hoax Alert: False loadshedding message floods social media

As if the recent announcement of possible stage five and six loadshedding wasn’t bad enough, social media users are now in uproar over a message announcing a national blackout for six hours scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday).

The message, which has been circulating on WhatsApp, reads:

*ESKOM*

Please note that there won’t be electricity tomorrow from 06:00-12:00 through out the whole of South Africa. Please pass on the message and make everyone aware.

While some people know not to trust everything on social media, others take messages such as this as the gospel truth, leading to false information spreading like wildfire.

Eskom has since released a statement confirming that the message is a hoax and while there will still be loadshedding tomorrow, it will not be for this period of time and will follow the schedule as usual.

“Eskom is aware of Eskom parody accounts being used to spread fake news. We will continue to provide regular updates about the state of the power system through various media and through the official Eskom social media platforms.”

Be the first to receive breaking news straight to your device with our newly launched push notifications! Simply visit our website and click on the icon shown above.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram