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Even though the load shedding system has concluded, nearly 400 public schools in South Africa have experienced prolonged or complete power outages over the past two years. The Minister of Basic Education, Siswive Govu, reported in Parliament that 397 educational institutions were affected between April 2024 and March 2026.

Although South Africa has made progress in improving electricity accessibility, hundreds of public schools have faced extended or total power interruptions in the last two years, highlighting persistent challenges within the national power supply system.

According to data presented by the Minister of Basic Education, Siswive Govu, the total number of affected public schools was 397 between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2026. Stated causes for these disruptions include infrastructure damage, transformer failures, vandalism, power supply interruptions, and billing disputes.

These figures were disclosed in a written parliamentary response by EFF Member of Parliament Lathiti Arries, who requested information from Govu regarding the number of schools affected by prolonged or complete outages, as well as the measures taken to ensure reliable energy supply.

Arries noted that over the past two years, several schools across the country operated without electricity for extended periods, with some having no power whatsoever for long stretches.

Govu clarified that the data is based on information provided by provincial education departments, which reported that 397 public schools experienced prolonged or complete power supply interruptions during the reporting period.

Provincial Breakdown

The highest number of affected schools was recorded in the Eastern Cape, which accounted for 324 out of the 397 affected institutions, meaning more than eight out of every ten registered cases nationwide were in this province.

Gauteng recorded 19 affected schools, followed by Free State and Mpumalanga, each with 13 affected schools, as well as KwaZulu-Natal with 12 schools. Limpopo, North Cape, and West Cape reported five affected schools each, while North West reported one.

Govu cautioned that this statistic should not be interpreted as the total number of schools left without electricity. She explained: 'This figure refers to specific schools reported by Provincial Education Departments as affected during the reporting period, not individual outage incidents.' She added that the nature and duration of the interruptions varied across different schools and provinces, and some Provincial Education Departments indicated that the outages were intermittent.

Outages Linked to Infrastructure Failures and Supply Challenges

This data comes amid government statements claiming that South Africa has succeeded in stabilizing electricity supply after many years of planned blackouts, with the focus shifting to strengthening the reliability of the entire power supply system.

During his 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the government had 'ended load shedding' and that the country had built a more resilient energy system. Ramaphosa emphasized: 'Having left load shedding behind, we must transform our energy system to ensure long-term energy security.'

However, the government acknowledged that improvements in power generation do not automatically solve problems arising in local distribution networks. Energy Minister Kgosiyenso Ramokgopa previously pointed to difficulties affecting distribution systems, including pressure on infrastructure, vandalism, and illegal connections, asserting that some interruptions are related to network issues rather than a lack of generating capacity.

He stated: 'It is not a generation problem. It is a localized network protection measure.' Govu's parliamentary response reflects similar issues at the school level: provincial education departments report that power interruptions were caused by electrical infrastructure failures, transformer damage, power supply interruptions, vandalism, theft, billing disputes, and schools using shared transformers with neighboring communities.

The Minister also noted that not all recorded cases are due to the absence of electrical infrastructure in schools. Govu explained: 'Not all recorded cases arise from the absence of electrical infrastructure in the school. In many cases, the school had an established connection to the grid but experienced interruptions caused by failures or disputes in the external power supply system.'

According to regulations concerning minimum uniform standards for public school infrastructure, every public school must have adequate power supply compliant with applicable laws and sufficient for the school's needs. Acceptable supply types include grid electricity, generators, solar, and wind energy.

Provincial education departments reported several response measures, including installing solar panels where possible, providing temporary generators until permanent solutions are developed. They also engaged with municipalities, Eskom, and other power suppliers to restore supply, repair damaged infrastructure, and ensure dedicated transformers in schools affected by shared infrastructure use.

Reliable electricity is critical for learning in schools, operating computer labs, internet connectivity, administrative systems, safety infrastructure, and other daily operations. Govu stressed that provincial education departments remain responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining school infrastructure, while the Department of Basic Education sets national norms and standards and monitors their compliance.

Authorities have received numerous reports regarding the mass death of pelagic fish covering an extensive stretch of the West Cape coast, from Saldanha Bay to Gansbaai, located near Danger Point.

Sardine is the predominant species among those that died, and it is the most frequently mentioned. Observations indicate that this phenomenon extends over a significant area—from coastal waters out to approximately 80 kilometers in the open sea. Pelagic fish inhabit the open ocean, not the seabed.

Mike Copeland, in a message circulated among participants in the commercial pelagic fishing industry, stated that investigations are underway. He strongly recommended that all trawler operators immediately cease fishing activities, noting that the suspension will remain in effect until the primary cause of mortality is determined.

Near Saldanha, the presence of a harmful algal bloom (HAB) has been confirmed, which is known to cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).

Harmful algal blooms, sometimes called 'red tides,' occur when certain microscopic algae reproduce rapidly. Some species produce toxins capable of negatively affecting fish, shellfish, seabirds, marine mammals, and humans. Others can deplete oxygen in the water, causing suffocation in marine animals.

Blooms are often triggered by a combination of favorable sea temperatures, sunlight, and nutrient-rich waters. The bloom found near Saldanha is known to produce toxins that accumulate in shellfish such as mussels, oysters, and scallops. Consumption of contaminated shellfish can lead to PSP—a potentially serious nervous system disorder. It is important to note that cooking or freezing does not destroy these toxins.

Although a direct link between the bloom and the mass die-off has not yet been established, officials are studying a possible connection.

Work is currently being done to collect a complete set of samples for laboratory analysis. These tests aim to identify the specific factors responsible for this event and to ensure the safety of the marine ecosystem.

Earlier this week, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) stated that it is investigating reports of dead and dying sardines in several locations along the West Cape coast. A Department representative, Zolile Nkayi, reported that fish are washing ashore, and dead and dying sardines are also observed drifting on the surface.

Sardines represent one of South Africa's most vital commercial fish species, supporting the trawling industry and serving as food for larger fish, seabirds, seals, and dolphins. Consequently, a large-scale mortality event could have both ecological and economic consequences if it continues.

As part of a new campaign to monitor adherence to food safety standards, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken action against two types of food products.

The manufacturer of enriched sunflower oil was fined after it was discovered that the product did not meet established standards. Additionally, the sale of a monk fruit sweetener was suspended due to alleged violations concerning licensing and labeling.

FSSAI also reported that the company failed to provide documentation confirming that the monk fruit extract used in the product was procured in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act.