Eskom has restored electricity to approximately 70% of the areas left in the dark following severe storms earlier this week, which initially cut power to around 193,000 residents across KwaZulu-Natal.
The power utility reported significant progress in the northern regions of the province, including Newcastle and Empangeni, where infrastructure damage was relatively minor.
However, challenges remain in the Midlands and southern areas, where storm damage has made many sites difficult to access. Eskom teams are continuing restoration efforts in these harder-hit zones.
Meanwhile, the Office of the KwaZulu-Natal Premier confirmed that 134 schools sustained damage during the storm. Provincial officials are scheduled to visit and assess several of the affected schools on Friday.
Authorities say both infrastructure repairs and academic recovery plans are being prioritised to minimise long-term disruptions for learners.