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Power Struggles: The New Normal of Electricity On and Off in Eswatini

By Mayibongwe Nkambule

The unpredictable power outages in the country have disrupted daily life, leaving students and workers frustrated and forcing businesses to adapt. With the Eswatini Electricity Company introducing load shedding, citizens are adjusting to a new reality where power cuts have become part of everyday life.

The load shedding implemented by the Eswatini Electricity Company typically occurs between 6:00 am. And 7:30 am in the morning, with each outage lasting about two hours. These blackouts also happen in the evening from 5 pm to 7 pm, making it difficult for people to plan their activities. This is a new experience for many citizens, who are now learning to cope with regular power interruptions something that has long been common in neighbouring countries like South Africa.

The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) introduced load shedding to manage the growing demand on the national grid, especially during peak hours in the mornings and evenings. Khaya Mavuso a local electrician explains, “During the winter months, electricity consumption rises sharply as people use heaters and spend more time indoors, which puts immense pressure on the grid” a pressure that often results in scheduled blackouts. That is why the company has introduced the blackouts in the country to try manage electricity in the country.

For students, the impact is profound. It is a must that students use computer laboratories, and when there is load shedding, it becomes very difficult for them to do that.” Many students find themselves struggling to complete assignments or study at night when the power is out, leading to stress and anxiety. One university student of Limkokwing tertiary shared, “I have to rely on candles or go to a friend’s house with power, but it’s not always possible. It affects my concentration and my grades.”

Businesses, too, face the difficulties of these power cuts. Spaza shops and groceries, which often rely on refrigeration and lighting, are forced to close early during load shedding hours. Shop owner in Makholokholo, Thabo Ngwenya says, “We lose customers because we have to close before the usual time. It’s hurting our profits and could lead to losing loyal clients.” The Eswatini Electricity Company has raised concerns that prolonged load shedding threatens the survival of small businesses and the broader economy.

Households face additional challenges as power surges when electricity is restored often damage appliances like refrigerators and televisions. Local landlord in Dark city, Sipho Dube explains, “The surges fry sensitive parts in appliances, leading to costly repairs. Families lose access to essential services like food storage and entertainment, which disrupts daily life.”

Breadwinners always find difficult in taking take of their young ones due to the blackouts of electricity in the country. Lindokuhle Simelane of Sidvwashini states that,“As a mother, my biggest worry is keeping my children safe and comfortable during the blackouts. When the power goes off in the evening, it’s hard to cook dinner or help them with homework. We use candles, but I’m always scared of accidents happening in the dark.”

As Eswatini adjust to the new scheduled blackouts, questions evoke around energy sustainability, infrastructure readiness and national preparation grow louder. While citizens adapt with candles, generators for doing other chores that needs electricity and this frustrates citizens as the ending period of the issue is unknown. Immediate solutions are needed before power or electricity go out for good