Power woes escalate as Stage 4 load shedding is rolled out over the weekend

South Africans who were already facing a cold, wet weekend with load shedding learnt on Saturday morning that things were about to get worse. 

In a short announcement, Eskom said load shedding would be escalated to stage 4 from 1pm on Saturday until 10pm. 

Stage 4 load shedding will also be implemented at 08:00 until 22:00 on Sunday. 

Eskom said this was because demand was higher than anticipated and some of its units tripped.

ALSO READ: Eskom extends load shedding for the weekend

It comes as the country is gripped by icy weather with disruptive rain predicted in the storm-battled KwaZulu-Natal. 

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala said the emergency services in the flood-torn province were on full alert. 

“We are advised that if KwaZulu-Natal receives an additional 20mm of rain there is a potential for flooding, as the ground may still be saturated following the recent heavy rains. We have been advised to expect snowfall and freezing temperatures,"" he said. 

Gauteng was also experiencing rainy conditions and Johannesburg emergency services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi pleaded with residents to keep  a close watch on heating devices amid fears of house fires as families try to keep warm.

“We will remain on high alert, monitoring all seven regions of the city, especially our informal since we know these are our most vulnerable communities,” Mulaudzi added.