Eskom has deployed extra technical teams to KwaZulu‑Natal, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and the Free State after severe winter weather caused widespread damage to its network, the utility said on Wednesday. Heavy rain, snowfall, strong winds and extreme cold triggered multiple faults and in some places made access unsafe, delaying repairs.
Where supply has been restored — and where work continues
According to Eskom, technicians have succeeded in bringing most affected areas back online in KwaZulu‑Natal, including towns such as Kokstad, Franklin, Nottingham Road, Underberg, Pietermaritzburg, Margate, Estcourt and Empangeni. Limpopo was reported as fully restored.
In the Eastern Cape, the Joe Gqabi and Alfred Nzo districts were hardest hit by snowfall, strong winds and extremely cold conditions. Eskom said about 60% of affected customers there had their power restored, with crews continuing to work as conditions allow. The Free State is among the other provinces affected, with crews attending to faults where it is safe to do so.
| Province | Reported status |
|---|---|
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Most outage areas restored; technicians working on remaining sites |
| Eastern Cape | Approximately 60% of affected customers restored; hardest hit in Joe Gqabi and Alfred Nzo |
| Limpopo | Supply reported fully restored |
| Free State | Crews mobilised; restoration under way where safe |
Why some repairs will take longer
Eskom warned that restoration times in particular locations may be longer than usual. The main constraints are:
- road closures and hazardous terrain caused by the severe weather;
- ongoing adverse weather that limits safe access to damaged infrastructure;
- a need to prioritise the safety of communities and technical teams over speed of repairs.
At the same time, Eskom said it understands the disruption severe weather causes to households, businesses and essential services and stressed that the safety of customers, communities and workers is its highest priority.
Practical steps for households and businesses
People in affected areas should take sensible precautions while power is being restored. Recommended actions include:
- Keep mobile phones and other essential devices charged when possible; conserve battery power by closing unused apps and lowering screen brightness.
- Have a torch and spare batteries ready instead of using candles; if candles are used, never leave them unattended.
- Unplug sensitive appliances such as computers and TVs to protect them from potential power surges when supply returns.
- If you rely on medical equipment that needs power, inform your local clinic or emergency services about the situation and make contingency plans.
- Avoid traveling on roads that are closed or unsafe; follow municipal and emergency service advice.
Businesses and critical services should confirm contingency plans and communicate expected impacts to staff and customers. Where possible, move perishable stock to generators or cold rooms with verified power supplies.
What to watch for next
Eskom will continue to assess damage and repair faults as weather and access allow. Residents can expect staged restoration in many areas rather than immediate full recovery. Road closures and hazardous conditions mean some communities remain temporarily cut off from repair teams.
Officials and emergency services will issue further updates as crews reach currently inaccessible sites. Those concerned about ongoing outages should contact their local municipality or Eskom’s emergency numbers for the latest information.
Severe winter conditions can change quickly. Plan for short‑term disruption, keep warm, stay informed through official channels, and prioritise safety over attempting risky repairs or travel.
