Ray Nkonyeni Municipality provides debt relief for struggling ratepayers

A debt relief programme to support ratepayers affected by the current economic downturn has been approved by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality council.

The programme started last Monday. In a statement issued by spokesperson Simon April, the municipality acknowledges that many households and businesses are experiencing financial strain and struggling to settle their municipal accounts.

“This programme seeks to ease that burden while strengthening the municipality’s financial sustainability,” said April. The key features of this Debt Relief Programme is 50% debt write-off for residential and business customers.

This applies to all customers with accumulated arrears up to June 30, 2025. Customers who pay 50% of their debt will have the remaining 50% written off.

Customers unable to settle the 50% upfront may enter a six-month payment arrangement, however, failure to honour the arrangement will result in forfeiture of the 50% discount.

There is also relief for debt accrued between July 1 to November 30, 2025.

Customers must settle outstanding amounts for this period in full and interest accrued during this period will be written off, once the amount overdue is settled.

A six-month payment arrangement is also available, and interest will be written off on full compliance.

Government departments and state-owned entities do not qualify for the 50% discount. However, a separate relief for government departments and state entities is available. If these institutions settle their outstanding capital debt in full, all interest charged will be written off.

“The municipality reminds customers that failure to utilise this programme may result in credit bureau listing, difficulties in obtaining municipal services, electricity disconnection, default judgment, or sale of property in execution,” concluded April.

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