The Endumeni Chamber of Commerce meeting last week laid bare the township’s deepening woes, as members heard that Eskom debt has ballooned to R294 million despite a repayment agreement. The municipality is now paying R1.8 million a month simply to cover arrears and current costs—yet Eskom still flags Endumeni as a high risk, warning of possible load shedding.

“They do not budget properly,” said newly elected Chamber president Alan Schonken, adding that infrastructure maintenance should account for 8% of the capital budget but typically sits just above 3%. Hence, the perpetual battle with poor roads and failing streetlights.

Former councillor Anthon Raubenheimer pointed out that three years ago, Endumeni had no Eskom debt, but now finds itself in turmoil. Raubenheimer also criticised the outdated municipal website and residents’ inability to comment on the 2025/26 draft budget, which must be passed imminently.

Paul Coetser warned of collapsing sewage systems—an Umzinyathi District responsibility—calling the leaks a “doomsday warning” that makes living and doing business in Endumeni unpleasant. Meanwhile, Pam McFadden of Talana Museum cautioned about 17 new mining applications, describing them as the start of fracking that could jeopardise groundwater supplies.

Members lamented the absence of Endumeni and Umzinyathi councillors at Chamber meetings. “The only recourse is to petition higher authorities,” one member declared, urging collective action to pull the municipality back from the brink of total collapse.”

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