What do you do when the lights go off?
Highway Mail reporters took to a local shopping centre to find out what some residents do when the electricity goes off.
WITH Eskom’s latest increase in load shedding, Highway Mail reporters spoke to some community members to find out what they do to keep themselves occupied during the power outages.
This is what some of them had to say:
Julie Chetty (60) of Clare Estate: “I plan for myself before the power goes off. If I have to cook during load shedding I’ll use gas, otherwise I just enjoy those couple of hours to myself either to read or enjoy the fresh air outdoors.”
Natasha Davis (22) of Queensburgh: “I read via a phone torch or watch DVDs on a laptop or tablet, depending on which is fully charged.”
Hilton Nkabinde (43) of Clermont: “When the power goes off I go out with my family. We prefer to be in a place that has electricity, especially at night or at dinner time.”
Angel Nkosi (18) of Clermont: “I just sit around and wait for the electricity to return. There’s nothing you can do – no TV and no Playstation.”
Nitesh Maharaj (31) of Durban North: “Most people look for whatever light source they can find or play on their cell phones. I prefer to spend that time doing something constructive like catching up on some ‘me’ time or spending quality time playing board games with my family.”
Nathan van Zyl (20) of Pinetown: “Firstly make sure you are prepared with candles, et cetera. Otherwise spend that time in good old conversation with those around you and indulge in board games if you have them.”
Nokuthula Mkhize (35) of KwaNdengezi: “There’s not much to do. If the load shedding is during the day then we can occupy ourselves but if it’s at night you just have to go to bed earlier than usual.”
Robert Khumalo (27) of Pinetown: “When the power goes off I go to my fridge, take out a Castle Light and sit in my camp chair outside until the lights come back or until my six-pack is finished, whichever comes first.”
