Load shedding stage four angered the people of Soweto as residents from Dobsonville had barricaded the streets recently, expressing their dissatisfaction of the frequent load shedding taking place.
Eskom recently warned that from stage two loadshedding escalates to stage four, which means it will be scheduled for power outages 12 times over a four day period for two hours at a time. The other alternative is12 times over an eight day period for four hours at a time. According to Eskom the reason for load shedding is the “additional loss of units at our power stations”.
Community members of Dobsonville were angered as they complained about the inconvenience that Eskom has brought during the festive season. “Our businesses are affected by this load shedding and we don’t understand why we are experiencing this during summer. The worse part is that it is during December time. They now expect us to pay for our debt but how can they expect us to do so when we hardly make money because of electricity,” said Nomsa Phiri, a beauty salon owner in Dobsonville.
Motorists were affected by the protest that took place during the weekend but no violent incidents had been reported. The mood is calm but police presence is visible as they try to contain the situation. Consumers have been advised to check their local schedules to see how they will be affected.
