The recent improved performance of South Africa’s power utility has triggered the longest stretch of uninterrupted electricity supply in years. It has completely transformed the environment for the country’s online traders and retail investors. For an extended period, load shedding was widely considered the single largest operational obstacle for active retail traders.
A 2025 study notes that load shedding creates the biggest operational challenge for South African traders, and that Stage 4 or higher load shedding can knock out internet infrastructure for hours, making active trading impossible during critical market periods. During those years, many traders simply could not access their positions when markets were most active, leading to missed opportunities and financial losses.
However, the power landscape has improved quickly, and both the outlook and the tools available to traders are better than ever. In this article, we explore the current electricity situation, the backup infrastructure South African retail traders can deploy, and key strategies to stay connected.
The Current Outlook: An Unprecedented Break from Load Shedding
As of 2026, South Africa is experiencing its most sustained reprieve from load shedding in almost two decades. The state utility has entered the 2026 winter season with what it describes as a resilient power system, projecting a winter period of continued energy stability. The entity is not expecting any days of load shedding during the coming winter season. The utility publicly stated that reduced unplanned losses and strengthened operational buffers support a stable winter outlook, with sufficient capacity to meet expected demand.
This performance follows years of significant structural improvements. Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan has added approximately 4 000 MW of extra capacity to meet expected demand, and unplanned outages dropped to 10 100 MW in August 2025 – the lowest levels since September 2020. The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has increased from 55% in FY2023 to 60.6% in FY2025, with the year-to-date EAF at 61.1%. Eskom group executive for generation said, “It was very difficult to embed cost savings when our generation fleet was unstable. Today, we have dramatically reduced diesel dependency and saved R26.9 billion compared to FY2023.” South Africa saw extended periods without load shedding in 2025 following improved generation performance and reduced unplanned outages.
That said, Eskom has cautioned that longer-term supply risks remain. The utility flagged possible constraints between 2029 and 2030, which might arise if new generation capacity is not delivered on schedule. Delays in the rollout of renewable energy projects also remain a concern, as only about half of the awarded projects have reached completion. For online traders, this means the current stability provides an excellent window, but caution and preparedness for the medium and long term remain prudent.
The Mobile-Centric Trading Landscape in South Africa
The explosion of mobile-first trading platforms has transformed retail participation in South African financial markets. In contrast to more developed countries, where household investing rates are greater and more ingrained in financial culture, South Africa has historically had lower retail participation. However, digital platforms are closing that gap, inviting new investors into spaces that once felt exclusive. The shift is evident in everyday discussions, where conversations about ETFs, dividend yields, offshore exposure, and rand volatility are now common in weekend braais and WhatsApp groups. Digital platforms ultimately enable traders to take action on those discussions without layers of paperwork.
Major financial institutions are adapting to this trend. Standard Bank, the biggest bank in Africa by assets, consolidated its existing online trading platforms under its global money app, Shyft, in August 2025. The migration will take effect over the course of 2025 and 2026, with the award-winning global money app having revolutionised international travel, shopping, payments, and investments. Such integrations mean that South African traders now have direct access to local and international markets from a single, user-friendly mobile interface.
Against this backdrop of increased digital participation, one theme has become central: connectivity during load shedding. The retail trading surge depends entirely on reliable internet access. Uninterruptible power supply systems have become essential equipment rather than optional extras for successful traders. Most successful South African traders now invest in battery backup systems that provide several hours of trading capability during outages. Ultimately, success in the South African trading landscape requires a solid foundation. Understanding the essential tools and insights for trading success in South Africa is the first step toward building a resilient trading setup that can withstand any disruption.
Connectivity and Backup Solutions
Understanding what to install starts with recognising the threat. South African traders face a double bind: when load shedding hits, both mains power and internet infrastructure can fail simultaneously. The batteries at mobile towers need time to recharge, and with extended load shedding from Stage 4 onward, they do not charge. If a tower is offline, a trader may be connected to a further congested one, expecting slow data and dropped calls. Internet service providers rely on a complex infrastructure including routers, switches, and optical fibre connections. These devices need a stable power supply to function correctly. Load shedding can lead to network equipment failures and connectivity issues, causing internet outages or slowdowns.
Experienced South African traders adopt layered redundancy to guard against these risks. At the most basic level, a mini DC UPS designed specifically for routers and fibre ONUs is a low-cost starting point. For example, the Solarix 10400mAh Micro UPS runs a router and fibre OTN for up to 3-4 hours during load shedding. Such mini UPSs are compact, purpose-built, and cost-effective. For traders who need to keep laptops and monitors powered for longer periods, small portable power stations with lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries are increasingly popular. They offer silent operation, faster recharge, and over 1,000 cycles of battery life. Mobile data backup connections help when the fixed internet goes down due to power outages. Having multiple mobile network providers prevents single points of failure during important trading opportunities.
Some have gone further: solar power systems with battery storage provide the most reliable solution for serious traders. Initial costs are high, but energy independence eliminates the biggest operational risk South African traders face. Generator backup works for extended outages, but fuel costs add up quickly. Planning generator usage around the most important trading sessions helps manage operational expenses.
It is also worth noting that effective load shedding management goes beyond hardware. Traders should use dedicated load-shedding schedule apps to stay informed. Furthermore, choosing the right market that fits your trading style can help you optimise your trading hours around periods of potential instability.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Resilience
Trading involves risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up; past performance is not indicative of future results. You should carefully consider your financial situation and seek independent advice before engaging in any trading activity.
The structural progress at Eskom is impressive, but South African online traders would do well to remain cautious. Between 2029 and 2030, supply constraints could re‑emerge, especially if new generation capacity and renewable projects experience further delays. However, the current projection that no load shedding is expected through the summer of 2026 offers a welcome reprieve. For active traders, this window of stability should be used to refine trading setups, test backup configurations, and stay disciplined on risk management.
For traders looking to expand their strategies and adapt to the evolving South African financial environment, it is essential to access reliable brokers and up‑to‑date market insights. Many local and international brokers now serve the South African retail market, each with different platform stability, deposit methods, and customer support. Checking broker reviews and opening a demo account before committing real capital is a prudent first step. To navigate the South African energy landscape effectively, download the ESP EskomSePush app for accurate load shedding schedules and push notifications for your area. The app is widely considered the most reliable tool for staying informed about power outages, helping you plan your trading day around potential disruptions. For accurate and up-to-date information on the country’s energy outlook, refer to the official SAnews article on load shedding, which confirms that Eskom projects no load shedding for the 2026 winter season.
Final Thoughts
South African online traders have shown remarkable resilience over the past decade of erratic electricity supply. The current improvement in Eskom’s performance is the most significant positive shift in years, but the true mark of a skilled retail trader is not just making profits when conditions are easy; it is staying connected, disciplined, and adaptable when the unexpected occurs. By investing in layered connectivity solutions, tracking load shedding schedules closely, and remaining aware of the long-term supply risks still present on the horizon, South African traders can navigate both the current bright period and any unforeseen future disruptions. The key is to prepare not for the best case, but for the realistic range of contingencies, and to always keep trading.
