AfriForum Vryheid has lodged a formal complaint with national and provincial authorities over what it describes as ‘unlawful and excessive’ tariff increases by AbaQulusi Local Municipality.

The organisation, acting on behalf of residents, has written to the National Treasury, Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs (Cogta), National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) and KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury, calling for an urgent investigation.

According to AfriForum, electricity tariffs have in some cases more than doubled compared to last year. New sewage tariffs have also appeared on accounts, with inconsistent descriptions and unexplained changes.
André van der Walt, the chairperson of AfriForum Vryheid, said, “We have sent several letters to AbaQulusi Local Municipality, but we are not getting proper responses. Some residents’ electricity bills have doubled and no proper public participation has taken place.”

Residents say that requests for clarity from the municipality have gone unanswered, while AfriForum claims there is no evidence that legal processes such as public advertising and consultation were followed. A number of residents have lodged disputes, but the municipality has reportedly responded with only a generic letter that failed to address specific concerns.

Tensions spilled over on Wednesday last week, when protests erupted in eMondlo. Municipal buildings and machinery were set on fire, with residents accusing the municipality of imposing tariffs without adequate community consultation.

Municipal Manager Ms S Dlamini confirmed in a media release that the municipality owes Eskom R293 million. “It is no coincidence that abnormal electricity bills are being issued at a time when Eskom debt is this high,” said Eugene van Aswegen, AfriForum’s provincial co-ordinator for KwaZulu-Natal.

AfriForum is also questioning whether NERSA approved the increases and whether proper procedures were followed. The organisation says corruption and mismanagement are draining municipal finances, adding that it has obtained information pointing to irregularities. It is considering asking the Special Investigating Unit to probe the municipality and is calling on residents to submit any further evidence of corruption.

The group is also weighing up a request for national ministers to intervene and place the municipality under administration.
“Residents are deeply frustrated and need clear answers,” Van Aswegen said. “These steep increases, introduced without transparency, are placing unbearable pressure on families.”

The authorities have been asked to respond in writing within 14 working days.

ALSO READ: AfriForum Vryheid vra verduideliking oor nuwe boorgattarief en hoë elektrisiteitskoste

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.