ZESA Promises Load‑Shedding‑Free Festive Season

Itai Mazire

Zimbabweans are set to enjoy a rare, power‑cut‑free festive season as ZESA Holdings announces that improved generation capacity has placed the country on a solid electrical footing for December.

In a major relief for households and businesses, the power utility said increased output from Hwange Stage 1 and 2, as well as Kariba Power Station, has significantly boosted domestic supply.

ZESA Holdings’ General Manager for Stakeholder Relations, Communications and Welfare, Dr. George Manyaya, explained that these initiatives aim to eliminate the need for widespread load shedding during the holidays and beyond.

“We project a stable power supply environment this December, with minimal system constraints and load management. This positive outlook is largely due to key interventions, the most significant being the anticipated improved plant availability at Hwange Stage 1 and 2 and Kariba Power Station, supported by supplies from Independent Power Producers (IPPs),” said Dr. Manyaya.

He added that the increased local generation is being reinforced by additional power sourced from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) Market, while reduced demand from industrial shutdowns will ease further pressure on the national grid.

“These efforts are expected to reduce the supply shortfall, leading to minimal load shedding during the festive period,” Dr. Manyaya said.

ZESA’s 24‑hour National Contact Centre will remain fully operational throughout the holidays, with technical teams on standby to quickly respond to faults and emergencies, ensuring Zimbabwe enjoys one of its brightest festive seasons in years.