By Omotayo Edubi
The City of Tshwane has embarked on a hostile revenue collecting campaign by disconnecting water and electricity to government departments, diplomatic missions and commercial properties which includes Pretoria where President Cyril Ramaphosa’s offices are.
It is said that the city is owed R17 billion (approximately (U.S.$1,125,730,140) in arrears.
“We mean business. Make arrangements to pay your account before you find yourself in the dark,” the City warned on social media on February 9, shortly before it disconnected electricity supply at the 5-star Sheraton Hotel, they say owes the city R23 million.
So far, it seems that no one is immune during this unprecedented local government campaign, with the city cutting off electricity at the South African National Defence Force offices.
“When we say No Fear, No Favour, we mean it. We are at the SANDF Navy headquarters to cut electricity, they owe us R3,197,428,81 in property rates,” they announced.
Among those owing large amounts to the city is the Department of Infrastructure Development, which owes R260m in rates and services.
Electricity was disconnected at the offices of the South African Women’s Federation which owes about R5 million in arrears.
Meanwhile, the state-owned arms manufacturer Denel has just settled their R2.2 million debt.
Some businesses have approached the courts to interdict the municipality from cutting services.
