Eskom Implements Stage 3 Loadshedding, SA Says Power Utility Punishing Citizens for Failed VAT Hike
- https://briefly.co.za/south-africa/208814-eskom-warns-high-risk-loadshedding-sa-s-nersa-rejected-36-tariff-increase/Eskom has implemented Stage 3 loadshedding until further notice on Saturday, 22 February
- The power utility stated they were implementing loadshedding after encountering a setback
- South Africans speculated that loadshedding was implemented because of the failed budget speech
Source: Getty Images
Loadshedding has reared its ugly head once more and South Africans are speculating why online.
Eskom has announced that they have implemented Stage 3 loadshedding as of 5:30 pm on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
The return of loadshedding comes 20 days after Eskom suspended it the last time. Eskom implemented power cuts in January 2025 in a move that left many fuming.
It wasn't just ordinary citizens who were upset, as the Democratic Alliance and uMkhonto weSizwe Party also lamented the return of loadshedding.
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Eskom encounters temporary setback
The power utility announced that it was implementing loadshedding until further notice after it encountered another temporary setback. While Eskom didn’t go into details, the entity did promise to provide an update give an update on Sunday, 23 February 2025.
Democratic Alliance concerned by return of loadshedding
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also weighed in on the return of loadshedding, expressing concern with its return. In an official press release, the party said that the commencement of loadshedding on short notice rings huge alarm bells.
"Eskom’s silence on the reasons behind this is shocking and continues to speak of a lack of transparency."
The party also noted that while Eskom has repeatedly said loadshedding was a thing of the past, they coined a term called load reduction.
"We must call it as it as we see it. We still live in blackouts, and we continue to pay more for less and less electricity," the statement read.
South Africans speculate about loadshedding’s return
Social media users vented about the reintroduction of loadshedding, with some questioning whether it returned because the government could not pass a proposed 2% increase in Value Added Tax.
@MoveOnNowPlz asked:
“ Cyril Ramaphosa is this payback because you didn’t get the 2% increase? You honestly need to do this country a favour and resign because you are useless.”
@sleekcliq stated:
“Bathong Eskom. You don't want us happy yazi.”
@AyandaMaqhoboza said:
“They just want more money from the government. They're making a statement.”
@Sir_Pixels added:
“All this because the president and friends wet the bed with that VAT thing?”
@MthabineJustice joked:
“They’re 17% angry😂.”
@DJAfroSafari stated:
“They are punishing us for that rejected 2% VAT increase 😂.”
@Rethabi55616710 said:
“You’re so predictable. Throwing tantrums for the 17% increase. Stupid loadshedding to try and make people forget that you are a messed up government.”
SA suspicious as loadshedding returns
This is not the first time that loadshedding has been experienced in 2025, as the country was hit by Stage 4 in January.
Briefly News reported that several breakdowns that needed extensive repair time led to its implementation.
South Africans believed that Eskom was getting revenge for not getting a 36% tariff increase from NERSA.
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Source: Briefly News
