My brother and SIL lives in Cape Town, and their electr. (as all of SA's) seems to be very, uhm, well, part-time lately. My poor SIL (6 months pregnant) had to take the stairs to her office on the 17th (!!! - sure it would have killed me, but then, maybe I'm just really really unfit lately) floor, as once the generators kick in it apparently takes some time before the lifts work again... Guess that's one way to stay fit!
Though, most people seems to be coping ok with it (ignoring the massive loss to the economy for a sec), so I guess once you're forced into a situation you kind of adapt, so just be prepared for it. I'm jealous of everyone having some proper sunshine soon! Enjoy.