Greater Giyani appoints debt collector to recover millions
GGM has appointed a professional debt collector to recover R842m owed by residents and government, aiming to improve service delivery.
LIMPOPO – After years of struggling to recover outstanding payments from residents, the Greater Giyani Local Municipality (GGM) has taken a decisive step by appointing a professional debt collection agency to recoup the millions of rands owed to it.
The appointment of Ntiyiso NMI JV as the official debt collector comes in response to persistent challenges in revenue collection, challenges that have for years undermined the municipality’s ability to deliver essential services to communities.
According to municipal spokesperson Steve Mavunda, the municipality is currently owed a staggering R842 million by both residents and government departments. “The bulk of this amount is owed by residents, which is why we needed to hire a debt collector,” he explained.
Mavunda said the municipality is particularly concerned about arrears from residents in township areas, where service delivery is funded directly through municipal revenue.
“Unlike in rural villages where we can use the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) to fund service delivery, township areas are maintained through the municipality’s income,” he said. “That’s why we must collect all outstanding payments; without that revenue, we simply cannot provide the level of service our residents expect.”
Ntiyiso NMI JV has been tasked with a range of duties, including sending SMS notifications to residents in arrears and making follow-up phone calls to those who owe the municipality for debts older than 90 days. Mavunda said the initiative forms part of a broader revenue enhancement strategy aimed at strengthening service delivery and restoring financial discipline.
To encourage compliance, the municipality has introduced a settlement discount for customers who wish to settle their accounts. In addition, incentive schemes will be offered to residents who stick to their payment arrangements.
Residents are urged to visit the municipal revenue office to settle their accounts and avoid termination of services. Those whose accounts are up to date are advised to disregard any debt collection SMS messages they may receive in error.
For enquiries, residents can contact Ms IS Khosa at 015 811 5698 or email KhosaIS@greatergiyani.gov.za during office hours (Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 16:00).
