A detailed load reduction schedule affecting large parts of Gauteng from 27 April to 30 April 2026 has been released, outlining specific blocks, time slots, and impacted areas. The schedule affects both morning and evening peak periods, with outages expected between 05:00 and 09:00, and again from 17:00 to 22:00.
The timetable impacts residents across Soweto, Vosloorus, Mabopane, Tsakane, Diepsloot and surrounding regions. For households and businesses, the schedule coincides with a busy long weekend period, increasing pressure on daily routines, transport and economic activity.
According to the published schedule, outages are being implemented through a rotating block system across multiple municipalities.
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Full schedule: Gauteng Load Reduction by Day, Time and Block
Monday, 27 April 2026
| Time Slot | Block | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 05:00 – 09:00 | Block J | Orange Farm, Stretford, Sharpeville, Evaton, Sebokeng, Vosloorus |
| 17:00 – 22:00 | Block F | Diepkloof Zones 1–6, Orlando East, Soweto, Nomzamo |
| 17:00 – 22:00 | Block I | Vosloorus, Katlehong, Ramakonopi, Mabuya Park |
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
| Time Slot | Block | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 05:00 – 09:00 | Block C | Mabopane, Winterveldt, Dobsonville, Jabulani, Naledi, Tsakane |
| 17:00 – 22:00 | Block D | Moroka, Dhlamini, Chiawelo, Kagiso, Khutsong, Tsakane Extensions |
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
| Time Slot | Block | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 05:00 – 09:00 | Block G | Bronkhorstspruit, Garankuwa, Mabopane, Soshanguve, Cullinan |
| 17:00 – 22:00 | Block B | Meadowlands, Mofolo, Diepsloot, Cosmo City, Roodepoort |
| 17:00 – 22:00 | Block J | Orange Farm, Evaton, Sebokeng, Vosloorus |
Thursday, 30 April 2026
| Time Slot | Block | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 05:00 – 09:00 | Block H | Vereeniging, Sharpeville, Evaton, Sebokeng, Daveyton, Etwatwa |
| 17:00 – 22:00 | Block I | Vosloorus, Katlehong, Ramakonopi, Spruit View |
Additional rotation (as scheduled)
| Time Slot | Block | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 05:00 – 09:00 | Block F | Diepkloof, Orlando East, Soweto |
| 17:00 – 22:00 | Block J | Orange Farm, Evaton, Sebokeng |
| 17:00 – 22:00 | Block G | Mabopane, Soshanguve, Bronkhorstspruit |
What is Load Reduction and Why Is It Being Implemented
Load reduction differs from load shedding. It is typically implemented in high-demand or high-risk areas to stabilise the local network and prevent overloading or infrastructure damage.
Authorities use load reduction to:
- Protect the electricity network from strain
- Prevent unplanned outages or equipment failure
- Manage demand in densely populated areas
How The Block System Works
The load shedding schedule follows a rotating block system, where different areas are assigned to specific time slots across the week.
Key patterns include:
- Morning outages: 05:00 to 09:00
- Evening outages: 17:00 to 22:00
- Rotation: Areas change daily depending on block allocation
Residents are advised to confirm their block allocation through their municipality or Eskom channels to avoid confusion.
High-impact Areas Across The Week
Several regions appear multiple times in the schedule, indicating higher exposure to outages:
- Soweto and surrounding areas
- Vosloorus and Katlehong
- Mabopane and Soshanguve
- Tsakane and Langaville
- Evaton and Sebokeng
These are among the most densely populated areas in Gauteng, amplifying the broader impact.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The schedule confirms continued pressure on Gauteng’s electricity supply, with outages affecting both residential and economic activity.
For residents, this means:
- Planning daily routines around fixed outage windows
- Increased reliance on alternative power sources
- Disruptions during peak household activity times
- Potential safety and mobility concerns in affected areas
For businesses, especially in retail and informal sectors, outages during peak hours may result in reduced trading capacity.
Economic and Social Impact
Load shedding continues to affect:
- Small businesses and township economies
- Food and retail operations reliant on refrigeration
- Transport systems and traffic flow
- Remote work and digital connectivity
The timing of outages, particularly in the early morning and evening, places additional strain on working households.
FAQ: Gauteng Load Shedding Schedule
How do I check my load reduction block?
Check with your municipality or Eskom schedule using your area name.
What times are most affected?
05:00–09:00 and 17:00–22:00 are the main outage periods.
Are all areas affected every day?
No, outages rotate depending on block allocation.
Can the schedule change?
Yes, schedules may be adjusted based on demand and grid conditions.
Which areas are most affected this week?
Soweto, Vosloorus, Mabopane, Tsakane and surrounding areas appear frequently.
What Happens Next
The current schedule runs through the end of April, with further updates expected depending on electricity demand and generation capacity. Authorities typically revise schedules in response to system pressure, meaning additional changes may be introduced at short notice.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official updates as Gauteng navigates ongoing energy constraints during a high-demand period.
