eThekwini caught overcharging ratepayers
The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) has written to the municipal manager, Musa Mbele, as well as the municipal chief financial officer, Dr Sandile Mnguni, to lodge a complaint.
ALTHOUGH eThekwini Municipality implemented a 13% water tariff increase for the 2025/2026 financial year, a Warner Beach resident discovered she was being charged 15% for her water usage.
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The resident, who chose to remain anonymous as she is a public servant, said she only calculated her latest rates statement after becoming aware, through social media, that some ratepayers had been billed incorrectly.
“Lo and behold, I discovered that I had been charged 2% more. One has to wonder whether this was done intentionally to bring more revenue or if it was an honest mistake,” said the resident.
Meanwhile, the eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) has written to the municipal manager, Musa Mbele, as well as the municipal chief financial officer, Dr Sandile Mnguni, to lodge a complaint and get clarity on the matter. ERPM’s chairperson, Asad Gaffar, said members were advised only to pay the 13% and raise a dispute against the City in terms of the Municipal Systems Act 2000.
“In terms of the city by law, we have 21 days to do so,” said Gaffar.
In response, eThekwini said it attributed the incorrect billing to a technical issue, and said the correct tariff increases started to appear in the second billing cycle, which started on August 20.
“We have since resolved the matter, and any differences, whether over or under, will be automatically corrected in the upcoming billing cycle. We appreciate our residents’ understanding and continued commitment to paying their municipal accounts. The municipality remains dedicated to ensuring accuracy and transparency in all billing processes and thanks residents for their ongoing support,” read the city’s statement.
Affected ratepayers with any billing-related queries are urged to visit their nearest Sizakala Customer Services Centre.
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