A pattern of non-payment is emerging at the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE), with both ordinary ratepayers and private sector suppliers reporting that the municipality is failing to honour its financial obligations.

Alberton residents who have sold properties in the suburb say they are waiting months for rate refunds owed to them after the sale and transfer of their homes. The issue came to light after a local pensioner revealed to the Alberton Record that a refund voucher issued by the City in October 2025 has still not been paid to the conveyancing attorneys who handled his property transfer, for a sale concluded in April of the same year.

“We are pensioners. This money is owed to us, and we need it,” said the pensioner who prefers not to be named. “I have written to the municipality and received absolutely no response.”

The situation appears to go well beyond a single case. Conveyancing attorneys operating in the city confirmed that they have not received any refund payments from Ekurhuleni for a considerable period.

When a property is sold, municipalities are legally required to refund any excess rates paid in advance by the previous owner. Delays place an unfair financial burden on sellers, particularly for pensioners who depend on the full proceeds of a property sale to support their retirement.

The consequences can be severe. But ratepayers are not alone in their frustration.

Suppliers and service providers contracted to deliver goods and services to Ekurhuleni have also raised the alarm over mounting unpaid invoices. Businesses report being left waiting for payment long after work has been completed and invoices submitted, with little to no communication from the municipality regarding when settlement can be expected.

For smaller businesses in particular, prolonged non-payment by a major client like a metro municipality can threaten their financial survival. The broader concern is what this pattern of non-payment says about the state of Ekurhuleni’s finances.

Municipal financial distress, often characterised by cash flow shortages, audit irregularities and a growing creditor backlog, has become an increasingly common story across metros in SA.

In a joint statement, Clr Fanyana Nkosi and Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (MPL) Mike Waters, said: “The City of Ekurhuleni has accumulated approximately R13b in unpaid trade creditors, a clear violation of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

“Without decisive action, Ekurhuleni risks sliding further into financial collapse with devastating consequences for service delivery, jobs, and local economic stability. The people of Ekurhuleni deserve accountability, transparency, and a government that enforces the law, not one that excuses failure year after year,” read the statement.

Enters the Public Protector:

In a letter directed to Mike Waters (MPL), the office of the Public Protector confirmed that it is investigating. “Your complaint to the Public Protector against the City of Ekurhuleni has been allocated a senior investigator for further handling. In line with our investigative standards, we will provide you with updates pertaining to the investigation every thirty 30 days.”

Mike Waters (MPL) complaint:

Mike Waters (MPL) lodged a complaint with the public protector for systemic maladministration, misrepresentation, discriminatory tariff practices and regulatory non-compliance by Ekurhuleni, which includes allegations of:

• Misleading financial communications

• Discriminatory tariff enforcement

• Failure to provide services despite consumer payments

• Non-compliance with electricity licence conditions

• The breakdown of governance and accountability

The affected pensioner escalated the matter in February 2026 after his November 2025 correspondence to the City went entirely unanswered.

The Alberton Record has approached the City of Ekurhuleni for comment. We will update once received.