Loadshedding. Ah yes, the term that has South Africans quicker on the draw with their mobile torches than a gunslinger in a spaghetti western. Let’s look at this electrifying subject, shall we?
Loadshedding: A national pastime
Some countries have football, others have cricket or hockey, but in South Africa we have loadshedding. It’s not just a power outage, it’s a lifestyle. Consider it a planned government mandated self-connection time, whether we like it or not.
Now, there are 5 stages of loadshedding.
Stage 1: Denial
‘This can’t be happening again, Eskom said loadshedding was suspended!’
Stage 2: Anger
‘Why can’t they generate electricity, I pay my taxes.’ (And then your generator packs up…)
Stage 3: Bargaining
‘Okay, if the power comes back on in 5 minutes, I promise to never complain about the potholes again.’
Stage 4: Depression
‘I miss boiling water in my kettle, boiling water in a pot on the gas stove is not the same.’
Stage 5: Acceptance
‘Get the candles, let’s play a board game.’
How to prepare: A practical guide
Candle stockpile
Accumulate a stash of candles and battery powered lights that would make a doomsday prepper jealous. Remember, variety is the spice of life. Scents from lavender to braai-spice are available if you look hard enough.
Invest in a power bank
Or 2. You’ll need them to keep your phone battery powered so you can complain about loadshedding and your broken fridge on social media.
Get that gas stove and braai ready
If you can’t cook a full 3 course meal on a braai by now, are you even South African?
Books
Yes, those things made of paper that you’ve stored away somewhere. Dust them off and catch up on some reading.
Ice, ice baby.
Stock up on ice. Your freezer will betray you, and when it does, that ice will be the only thing standing between you and lukewarm beer.
Loadshedding is like that 1 cousin who shows up to family gatherings. Annoying, yes, but an essential part of your identity. Don’t let it ruin your life. Rather get insurance from the king.
Take out home contents insurance from the king, you know, for when something happens (at least your meat will be covered.) Click here
So, light the candles, fire up the braai and cheers to the dark times because they help us appreciate the light. Now, where’s that torch?
Psst… This blog provides general info only, and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here.
Our website T’s and C’s can be found here.
