Soaring electricity theft is having a huge impact on Endumeni’s finances. Meter tampering and theft for the first eight months of July to June financial year saw a R14-million loss.

“This is expected to escalate to over R23-million by the end of June. If the situation is allowed to continue this figure will rocket to over R25-million,” Bonga Mkhize, Endumeni’s acting financial manager, told a budget road show meeting.
“The reality is that electricity theft will eventually cause a major cash flow crisis if not stopped urgently. Ward councillors and members of ward committee, with the help of the communications department, must play a significant role in creating community awareness of the impact of these practices.
“The political will to have the situation rectified will be vital.”
Calculations show that 79% of the theft occurs in Sithembile – but town areas are not exempt from the problem.

Council is about to approve a R1,2-million to an independent electrical auditing company to check all meters in Endumeni. Offenders, who do not take part in the amnesty, are expected to face stiff fines as the municipality attempts to clamp down on the rampant theft.
The R263-million budget includes a capital budget for R35,5-million.
Bad news for ratepayers is that all services – electricity, rates and refuse removal – are to go up by 8%.