How to Survive Load Shedding in Cape Town

Someone who thinks of ways to deal with power cuts shouldn’t be needed in the 21^st century, what’s next someone who gives us tips on how to hunt and gather food? The thing is, load shedding is our current reality right now, so let’s look on the bright side.

Here is a list of things to do when you’re plunged into darkness and ways to cope when Eskom throws us back into the Stone Age (If all else fails you can always purchase backup power solutions from Off Grid!)

1. Engage in fun electricity-free activities that you’ve never had time for. Hike up Lions Head, Go caving, adventure through a forest, knit a blanket, hug a tree… there’s an endless list of lightless activities to do.

2. Take a drive up to an elevated point. Signal Hill is the best option as you can gaze out onto the patches of light and dark. Try to guess which suburb will be in darkness next, you could even turn it into a drinking game!

3. Have some fun taking long-exposure in the dark with some sparklers. You could try draw the outline of the mountains or short phrases, such as “Eskom Sucks!”

4. Catch up on Game of Thrones, Modern Family or Vikings. Just make sure your laptop is always charged before load shedding kicks in. Take it to the next level by inviting some friends over for a marathon.

5. If you’re not keen for lettuce and raw carrots of dinner, head to one of these Cape Town eateries, who have all made a plan to stay open during power cuts:

- Black Sheep Restaurant
- Beerhouse
- Castella Amare
- Charly’s Bakery
- The Bungalow
- El Burro
- Borage Bistro
- De Grendel
- Rick’s Café Americain
- Richard’s Supper Stage

6. Load shedding has one positive side; it makes our favourite pastime, braaing, very useful! So, step away from the stove and make your meals caveman-style.

These tips aren’t going to bring our lights back on when load shedding hits, but at the very least they could save our sanity!