Govan Mbeki Municipality records 211 indigent applications, writes off R39m for 2025/26
Of the 211 new applications submitted, only 80 were approved.
The executive mayor of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, Nhlakanipho Zuma, said in a council meeting that significant activity was recorded in the indigent registration process for the 2025/26 financial year, with 211 new applications received between September and October.
Zuma said this at a special council meeting on November 18, as the municipality continues to implement Resolution A126/12/2022, which allows qualifying residents to apply for indigent status at any municipal office throughout the year.
According to Zuma, all applications undergo a strict verification process before being added to the indigent register. Of the 211 new applications submitted, only 80 were approved.
One hundred and ten of the unsuccessful applicants were found to be deceased, while 21 failed to meet the financial criteria.
Under the current policy, households whose combined gross monthly income (excluding social grants) exceeds R6 000 do not qualify.
As of October, the 80 approved applicants collectively owed the municipality R7.49m, an amount now subject to indigent relief measures.
For the current financial year, the municipality registered 377 households as indigent households. The municipality confirmed that R39.25m has been written off for these households as part of its indigent support programme.
Impact on municipal finances
The report also highlights ongoing pressure on the municipality’s debts. As of July 1, the outstanding consumer debt was R4b, which increased to R4.2b by the end of August – a rise of 5.73%.
The increase has been attributed largely to stagnant collection rates. Municipal officials have submitted a request to the council to consider appeals from applicants who were initially disqualified for not meeting the indigent policy requirements.
The approved successful appeals will be added to the 2025/2026 indigent register.
The municipality reiterated its commitment to updating the indigent register every month, ensuring reconciliation with the general ledger’s subsidy account. Residents who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply at any municipal office.
