New billing system could lead to violent protests

Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in Mpumalanga are threatening violent protests after the municipality decided to stop issuing manual proof of residence in favour of municipal statements.

- By Boitumelo Kgobotlo

This change is expected to be fully effected by June 30.

However, the community opposed the change and emphasised that it is not realistic to expect everyone to be properly registered on the municipality’s system by then.

Diamond Ntuli, a community leader, said municipal offices are too far for the elderly and disabled people to travel.

He also raised concern about ongoing problems with incorrect billing for years.

He explained that empty plots sometimes get billed while homes with big families are charged less. “There are no satellite offices to accommodate people travelling as far as Kwaggafontein and people are complaining about the behaviour of the municipality on this issue and many other issues that are directly affecting the community.