Loadshedding will be reduced to Stages 1 and 3 from 5:00 on Tuesday, following the return to service of six generating units over the weekend, Eskom said in a statement on Monday.

However, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 on Monday until 05:00 on Tuesday, as previously communicated.

After that, South Africans will see Stage 1 loadshedding from 05:00 until 16:00, followed by Stage 3 loadshedding from 16:00 until 05:00 on Wednesday.

This pattern will continue to be implemented daily until further notice, Eskom said.

"Breakdowns have reduced to 15 747MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 1 946MW. Since Friday, a generating unit each at Kriel, Lethabo, Majuba, Matla and two generating units at Arnot power stations were returned to service. The delay in returning to service a generating unit each at Kendal, Matla and two generating units at Tutuka power stations is contributing to the current capacity constraints," the utility added.

It said demand is expected to increase again heading into the weekend, and urged consumers to conserve power.