Poll position: South Africa shifted to stage four load-shedding on Wednesday after units shut down at Lethabo, Arnot, Medupi, Kusile and Matla power stations.  (Marco Longari/AFP/Getty Images)
                                    
                                    Earlier this week, the ailing utility’s chief operating officer assured the public it would try to avoid load-shedding as voters head to the polls on Monday
 		
			
				
	
		
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