More load shedding in store on Thursday
The stage two load shedding was "in order to protect the power system from a total collapse," the state utility said in a statement.
South Africans are bracing for another day of load shedding on Thursday.
The country was hit by rolling blackouts on Wednesday in a blow for the continent's most developed economy as it shows signs of rebounding.
Embattled power company Eskom, which generates around 95 percent of the country's electricity, announced power rationing -- infamously known as load shedding -- would be implemented from 9:00am to 11:00pm (0700 GMT to 2100).
The stage two load shedding was "in order to protect the power system from a total collapse," the state utility said in a statement.
Eskom COO, Jan Oberholzer said the blackouts were expected to last for a week.
#POWERALERT 2
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) October 16, 2019
Date: 16 October 2019
Stage 2 rotational loadshedding will continue tomorrow
@CityPowerJhb@City_Ekurhuleni @CityofJoburgZA @CityTshwane @eThekwiniM @CityofCT @ewnupdates @eNCA @SABCNewsOnline @SAfmRadio @Radio702 @IOL @News24 @SAgovnews pic.twitter.com/lVTRUKC9FY
Rolling blackouts in February and March saw factories and homes plunged into darkness for long hours, negatively impacting business and dampening job creation prospects.
On Wednesday, The Department of Basic Education has expressed concern over the negative impact load shedding could have on this year’s matric exams.
The 2019 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, known as the matric exams, take place from 23 October to 28 November with some practical examinations (such as the Computer Application Technology exam) starting on 16 October.
Additional reporting by AFP.