eThekwini councillors have unanimously approved an extension of the Special Debt Relief Programme.

This initiative aims to assist domestic and business customers by offering a 50% write-off of arrears debt accumulated as of January 31, 2025.

To qualify for this debt relief, customers must pay the remaining 50% of the corresponding debt in full and final settlement.

eThekwini residents will be allowed to settle the requested 50% financial contribution in instalments, provided that all the payments are made by January 31, 2026.

The municipality stated that, after the customer settles 50% of the arrear debt owed as of January 31, 2025, the customer must settle the entire outstanding debt, if any, relating to the period from  February 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025.

Should the customer not be in a financial position to settle the debt for the months after January 31, 2025, the customer can enter into a payment plan, interest-free, to settle the debt by June 30, 2026, without making any down payment.

The Special Debt Relief Programme should be linked to the settlement of the outstanding debt for the months between February 2025 and June 2025 without any further relief.

The programme will run for a period of three months from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. All customers who had submitted claims for water leaks will also be discussed. The programme excludes government debt.

IFP Councillor Dr Jonathan Annipen described the initiative as a victory because he has been vociferous in its advocacy, making strong representations — including to the Finance Portfolio Committee — to ensure that residents struggling with historic debt receive this much-needed relief.

“This programme will help restore dignity to countless families who have been weighed down by historic municipal debt. We encourage everyone who qualifies to seize this opportunity and work with the municipality to rebuild a sustainable financial future,” he said. 

DA Councillor Andre Beetge highlighted several challenges that had previously hindered expectations and requested that the administration address and mitigate them.

These challenges included, but were not limited to, ineffective communication, inadequately informed staff, insufficient preparation or training, over-reliance on manual processes causing bottlenecks, delayed reflection of deposits, and the subsequent issues arising from incorrect statements.

ANC Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala highlighted the timely relief this measure offers, especially with the festive season approaching.

He noted that it assists residents when they receive their bonuses and enables them to allocate funds from their stokvels to cover municipal bills.

Saul Basckin, an ActionSA councillor, stated that many business meters are not being read monthly, allowing bills to accumulate and get out of control.

He said this average billing practice is unacceptable, as it inflates arrears and unfairly penalises residents and customers, adding that the reporting system for meter reading submissions must be improved. 

“We continue to receive many complaints from residents and businesses who submit their own readings, only to find that they are still billed on estimates. This undermines trust in the system and contributes to the very arrears we are now trying to address.” 

He stated that clear, published guidelines must be made available on what documentation is required before visiting Sizakala Centres. 

Basckin said that specifically trained persons should be assigned at each centre to handle debt relief matters, and an accountable official must be appointed to oversee the programme,  supported by a dedicated unit to ensure consistency and fairness across the municipality. 

Basckin said customers must have a clear point of reference when disputes are not being resolved, so they are not forced to go from office to office without answers.

“Debt relief must go hand-in-hand with improved internal controls, accurate billing, and efficient service delivery. Otherwise, we risk writing off debt today, only to recreate the same crisis tomorrow,” he said. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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