LIMPOPO – Residents account for the largest share of municipal revenue defaulters in Greater Giyani Municipality (GGM), with 65% of households behind on service payments, according to a financial report presented during a recent council sitting.

Presenting the report, GGM finance head Nkhensani Ndaba said an analysis of the municipality’s operational revenue showed that property rates remain the main source of income, generating R13.2m for the municipality.

Ndaba told councillors that while the municipality continues to collect revenue from services rendered, residents were the biggest defaulters. “Data indicates that we have 65% households that have defaulted on their service payment to the municipality, followed by organs of state at 32%, commercial businesses at 10 and other rentals accounting for 3% of outstanding payments,” she said.

She further noted progress in addressing internal payment challenges, confirming that councillors who were previously behind on their municipal accounts have since settled their debts.

Ndaba stressed that the same move should apply to municipal employees, warning that it is unacceptable for employees to fall behind on municipal payments for periods exceeding 90 days.

“We understand that some have made arrangements to settle their accounts, but it is not appropriate for a municipal employee to be in arrears to that extent,” she said, urging all those still owing the municipality to honour their payment obligations.

Meanwhile, some councillors demanded to know which organs of state were in arrears with the municipality and why no action was being taken against them. In response, Ndaba explained that the matter was being handled at the provincial level and that the outstanding funds would eventually be paid.

“The money will be paid, I can promise you that. Previously, we used to write letters to all the departments that owe us, but now the province is coordinating the matter to ensure that all municipalities that are owed receive their money. It is a lot of money owed to municipalities by organs of state; it is not only our municipality,” she said.

In supply chain management, Ndaba reported that ten tenders were advertised during the second quarter, reflecting ongoing procurement activity within the municipality.

She also highlighted the municipality’s strong financial position, revealing that as of December 31, 2025, GGM had a bank balance of R363m.

Ndaba described this as a significant achievement, noting that many municipalities across the country are struggling financially, with some operating in negative balances.