If you live in Soweto, it’s worth clearing some time on Sunday. Eskom has announced a power outage that will last nine hours on Sunday, 25 October. The reason is emergency maintenance on its distribution network. Below is what we know so far and a few easy ways to get through the day without too much hassle.
What Eskom has announced
The notice came from Eskom’s Gauteng Communication and Stakeholder Management team. Power will go off at 9:00 and should only come back at 18:00 in the affected parts of Soweto.
Eskom says the job is essential maintenance on its distribution power lines. Those are the lines that bring electricity into your street, your home and the shop on the corner. When they aren’t checked, small faults can turn into big ones, and that’s usually when people end up in the dark with no warning.
This isn’t the first time Eskom has put out a notice like this for Gauteng. The utility says this kind of work keeps the network safer and more reliable.
The key details at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Eskom |
| Area | Parts of Soweto, Gauteng |
| Date | Sunday, 25 October |
| Time | 9:00 to 18:00 |
| Length | Nine hours |
| Reason | Emergency maintenance on the distribution network |
| Safety advice | Treat all appliances as live |
Why this is not the same as load shedding
A lot of people hear “no electricity” and assume it’s load shedding again. It isn’t. Load shedding is a rotating cut used when the national grid is under strain. This one is a planned shutdown for a specific area so that workers can repair equipment safely.
That’s why Eskom gave a clear start time and end time. You don’t need to check any schedule or app for Sunday. The notice itself tells you what you need to know.
Treat every appliance as live
Eskom has repeated one safety message, and it’s an important one. During the power outage, treat every electrical appliance as live, even when the lights are off.
The reason is simple. Power can come back at any moment. Crews sometimes test a line, or reconnect earlier than planned. If you’ve already started pulling plugs or touching cables because you think it’s safe, that’s when accidents happen.
So before 9:00, unplug the things you care about, like your TV, laptop, router and microwave. Switch off stoves and heaters at the wall. Keep kids away from sockets. And if you spot a fallen or damaged cable outside, don’t go near it. Report it to Eskom.
Unplugging has another benefit. When electricity returns, it can come back with a sudden surge, and that’s hard on electronics that are still connected.
Easy ways to prepare before 9:00
Nine hours sounds long, but a bit of planning makes it much easier. You’ve got time, since the notice came before the weekend.
Start with your phone. Charge it, plus any power banks, laptops and rechargeable lights, on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. If you use a router for WiFi, remember that will be off too.
Then think about food. Cook before 9:00 if you can. Sandwiches, fruit, salads and cold snacks make a simple lunch. If you’d like something hot, a gas stove or a braai will work, as long as you use it safely and in a proper outdoor space.
Keep your fridge and freezer shut once the power goes. A closed fridge holds its cold for hours. Every time you open the door, you let it out. Take what you need first, then leave it alone.
If your water depends on an electric pump, fill a few bottles or a big pot ahead of time. It’s one of those things you only think about when you’re already thirsty.
Finally, find your torches now. Battery lamps are safer than candles. If you do use a candle, put it on a steady surface away from curtains, and never leave it burning in an empty room.
Simple tips for the day itself
Once the power is off, try to plan something that doesn’t need it. Sunday is a good day for church, visiting family, a board game or just a long chat on the stoep. If you usually work from home on weekends, finish what you can on Saturday.
If you’re driving, be careful near the affected area. Traffic lights may not work if they’re on the same supply. Treat any dark intersection like a four way stop and take your time.
It’s also a good idea to check on elderly neighbours, especially those who live alone. Nine hours without lights or a hot meal is tough on them. A quick visit or a phone call can mean a lot.
What about small businesses?
Plenty of people in Soweto earn a living from spaza shops, salons, takeaway stands and small workshops, and many trade on Sundays. A nine hour power outage can eat into a whole day’s income.
If that’s you, plan ahead. Move cold stock to the coolest spot you have, and don’t buy more than you need for the day. Tell your regular customers early that you might be closed or running with limited services. If you use a card machine, charge it fully and keep some cash for change.
What if the maintenance does not go ahead?
Eskom has also warned that the work may not go ahead as planned if something outside its control comes up. That could be bad weather, an equipment problem or a safety concern.
So don’t be surprised if the time shifts or the work is postponed. On Sunday morning, check Eskom’s official channels for any last minute updates. That’s where you’ll hear first if anything changes.
How to get help or report a problem
Eskom says customers who need help can reach it through several channels. The easiest is the Eskom contact centre on 08600 37566. You can also visit the official Eskom website for outage notices and customer service options.
Call if your power is still off after 18:00, if you see sparks or smell burning, or if electricity returns but flickers or makes strange noises. Have your full address ready, and your account or meter details if you can find them. It helps the team find you faster.
Eskom apologises for the inconvenience
Eskom thanked customers for their cooperation and said sorry for any inconvenience. Nobody enjoys a long power outage, but this work is meant to protect the network and cut down the chance of bigger faults later.
For most households, the plan is simple. Charge your devices, unplug your appliances, sort out food early and keep a torch close. Do that, and Sunday will be a lot less stressful.
If your area is affected, send this to your family, neighbours and local WhatsApp groups. That way, nobody is caught off guard when the lights go out at 9:00.
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