As the power system remains “volatile”, stage 1 load shedding will be implemented today, confirms Eskom’s spokesperson Dikatso Mothae.

Mothae provided an update on the power system to Fin24 via WhatsApp on Friday.

“We will load shed at stage 1 tomorrow,” she said.

Early on Friday morning, Eskom issued a notice that load shedding would be escalated from stage 1 to stage 2. The notice said this was a result of losing additional capacity at Medupi power station.

South African rugby enthusiasts are hoping for power on Sunday, when South Africa takes on Japan in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final just after midday. The load shedding status for Sunday will only be confirmed on Saturday.

“We hope to have recovered adequately by Sunday so that South African can enjoy watching the Springboks playing in the World Cup,” a statement released by the utility said.