Load shedding days

There was a time—not too long ago—when the best sound you could hear in a neighbourhood was kids yelling, “Batti ayo!” (The lights are back!). It was a moment of collective celebration because electricity had finally returned after long hours of darkness. For years, power cuts weren’t just an inconvenience—they shaped our entire lives. Cooking schedules, study hours, office work, and even something as simple as charging your phone had to be carefully planned around those precious hours of electricity.

Although the days of extended blackouts are behind us, the stories of survival and innovation during the load-shedding era serve as a testament to the country’s resilience. 

At its worst, load shedding stretched to over 16 hours a day. Imagine that—more than half the day without power! It was a way of life we had no choice but to adapt to, often in creative and unexpected ways. Homes relied on kerosene lamps, candles, and battery-powered torches for light. City dwellers invested in inverters and noisy diesel generators to survive, while those in rural areas, where these alternatives weren’t an option, bore the real brunt of the crisis. Communities found ways to help each other—sharing portable lamps, chargers, and even offering up generator power. Businesses switched to solar panels, restaurants started cooking on gas stoves, and students did their homework under flickering candlelight.

Load-shedding schedules were printed in newspapers, shared via text messages, and even featured in apps—seriously, they were as important as checking the weather. Everyone knew what time the power would vanish and when it would be back, and we lived our lives accordingly.

But in all that darkness, there were bright spots too—moments that brought people together in ways we don’t often see today. Families spent more time talking and bonding instead of watching TV or scrolling on phones. Neighbours gathered under streetlights, sharing stories and laughter, making the most of what they had. It was like the power cuts hit a pause button on our busy, tech-driven lives, reminding us of the simple joy of human connection.

The real turning point came in 2016, when the dreaded load shedding finally came to an end. Thanks to better electricity management and increased power production, we could finally flip a switch without worrying. It felt like a miracle. And while the “who gets credit” debate still pops up (Was it the NEA chief? The energy secretary? The minister? The PM? The opposition leader?), let’s be honest—we’re just grateful we made it through. So, to whoever played a role in ending those dark days, thank you!

That chapter of load shedding, though difficult, taught us a lot. It taught us resilience—the ability to adapt and keep going no matter what. It sparked innovation as businesses and homes turned to solar power and alternative solutions. And it gave us perspective—we now know not to take light for granted.

Today, we’re the same country where the adoption of EVs is among the highest in the region. Yet, we’re also the country where entire villages migrate to warmer places in winter because they still lack reliable power. This contrast reminds us that while we’ve come a long way, there’s still work to be done.

So, as we enjoy the steady glow of our lights today, let’s remember the lessons of load shedding. Let’s celebrate our progress and push for a future where sustainable and reliable energy is accessible to everyone—urban and rural alike. After all, “Batti ayo!” shouldn’t just be a moment of relief; it should be a promise for the generations to come.