Load shedding will be suspended at 05:00 on Saturday morning due to lower weekend demand and adequate emergency generation reserves, Eskom said in a statement on Friday. 

The embattled power utility has implemented a record spell of unbroken rolling power cuts as it suffered a series of breakdowns at many of its key power stations in recent weeks. 

"While the generation capacity constraints persist, the suspension of loadshedding is possible due to the anticipated lower weekend demand, as well as adequate levels of emergency generation reserves. Eskom will publish a further update on Sunday afternoon, or as soon as there are any significant changes. Since yesterday afternoon a generation unit each at Camden, Grootvlei, Hendrina, Kendal, Kriel, Majuba and Tutuka power stations have returned to service," spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said. 

A generating unit at Duvha Power Station was taken offline to be repaired. 

Eskom currently has 5 512 MW on planned maintenance, with another 13 484 MW out due to breakdowns.