The City of Tshwane has introduced a debt relief programme to assist customers in settling outstanding municipal accounts. The initiative, which runs until June 2025, aims to ease the financial burden on residents, businesses, indigent households, and deceased estates while boosting revenue collection.
Debt relief incentives to Encourage Compliance
The programme offers various incentives, including partial debt write-offs, interest waivers, and discounts on recreational facilities. One of its key objectives is to curb electricity meter tampering, a practice that significantly affects the city’s revenue.
Tshwane’s Deputy Mayor, Eugene Modise, highlighted the severity of the municipality’s financial shortfall.
“Various municipal customers, including government departments, big businesses, and residential customers, owe Tshwane a cumulative R30 billion. This amount is staggering and impedes effective service delivery,” Modise said on Tuesday.
To encourage compliance, the city offers an amnesty period for those who voluntarily report tampered electricity meters. Customers who come forward before 31 March will qualify for a waiver on tampering fees if they agree to install a new meter and a protective device.
Stricter Credit Control Measures
The city has also reinforced its credit control and debt collection policies. Modise emphasised that customers not taking advantage of the debt-relief programme will be subject to the municipality’s standard enforcement measures.
“Any other outstanding debt will be handled in accordance with the city’s credit control and debt collection policy,” he stated.
While the initiative relieves struggling customers, it also signals a firmer approach to ensuring that municipal bills are paid. With revenue collection below the 95% target, the city hopes this intervention will improve financial stability and service delivery.
Residents and businesses needing assistance can visit municipal offices for further information and support.
Do you think the city’s approach will effectively address its financial challenges?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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