VEREENIGING. – If ActionSA Ward 15 councillor candidate, Mokhitla Nete, has his way and wins a seat in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), Vereeniging residents could have less to worry about when it comes to the millions owed in rates and taxes to the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM).

Ward 15 encompasses the CBD of Vereeniging, Leeuhof and Peacehaven amongst others.

This is because Nete aims to engage the municipality to speedily organise and enforce debt rehabilitation and indigent registration programmes in the ward.

Nete makes an example of the success of the programmes in municipalities such as the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (JMM), where the programmes are currently in place, and qualifying customers benefit from a 50% municipal debt write-off, along with 100% interest and fee waivers, meaning financial relief for those who need it most and a chance to start afresh.

They did the registrations twice in Zone 7, and Zone 3 also had two opportunities.

The programmes aim to support households and businesses facing financial hardship, protect vulnerable communities, including pensioners and indigent residents.

Eligible customers who apply successfully can receive:

•             Debt Write-Off on qualifying accounts

•             100% Interest and Fee Waivers on outstanding amounts

•             Flexible Repayment Plans based on customer type and affordability

The programme applies to residential customers, pensioners, small and large businesses, faith-based organisations, NPOs, and community institutions that meet the qualifying criteria.

Nete said, “On August 21, 2026, I wrote to the speaker’s office to request the office to organise debt rehabilitation and indigent registration, but till now I haven’t received an answer. They did the registrations twice in Zone 7, and Zone 3 also had two opportunities.”

Meanwhile, the ELM already has similar programmes in action, and residents have been advised to visit their nearest ELM offices for clarity and information.

Amongst other things, Nete’s party has promised:

• A municipality that respects money
• Accessible and accountable councillors
• A municipality where business can flourish and
• A municipality that fixes what matters most