The national investigative inquiry comes at the back of growing concerns, inquiries and complaints received from some quarters of our society that whilst South Africa is experiencing a reprieve from ‘loadshedding’, ‘load reduction’ is seemingly on the rise, particularly in poor and historically disadvantaged communities. Concerns have also been raised about the impact of ‘load reduction’ on human rights more broadly, particularly the rights to life, equality and human dignity, as well as the rights of access to basic education and healthcare services, amongst others.

The objectives of the national investigative inquiry are to, amongst others:

• Assess the legal, policy and practical justifications of ‘load reduction’ from a human rights lens;
• Assess the extent of ‘load reduction’ in South Africa;
• Assess the demographics of the communities that are disproportionately impacted by ‘load reduction’;
• Assess the impact of ‘load reduction’ on the affected communities;
• Assess the impact of ‘load reduction’ on human rights, particularly the rights to equality, human dignity, access to basic services, education, healthcare services and life;
• Assess the adequacy of the measures in place to mitigate the effects of ‘load reduction’;
• Make recommendations and/or directives in respect of any findings made, as may be required.

This inquiry is instituted in accordance with the Commission's mandate, as outlined in Section 184(2) of the Constitution, which authorises the Commission to investigate and report on human rights violations and take necessary steps to address any infringements.

As part of the inquiry, the Commission invited submissions from members of the public, representatives of civil society organisations, policy and energy experts, representatives of service departments such as the departments of education, and health, the South African Police Services, ESKOM, the National Electricity Regulator of South Africa (“NERSA”), and the Minister of Electricity, amongst others.

The investigative inquiry is scheduled to take place as follows:

• Dates: 3, 4 and 18 February 2025
• Venue: The Capital on Empire, 177 Empire Place, Sandhurst, Sandton
• Time: 09:00am each day

The inquiry will be open to the media. Members of the public who want to attend must RSVP by contacting Betty Mabusela at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by Sunday 02 February 2025, space is available on a on a first-come, first-served basis.

The inquiry will also be livestreamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel @https://www.youtube.com/@SAHRC1 and proceedings shared on all SAHRC platforms.

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For further information or inquiries, please contact Given Makhuvele at 072 197 7581 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or  Wisani Baloyi at 081 016 8308 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..