eThekwini Municipality faces criticism over debt collection

ACTIONSA has slammed the eThekwini Municipality’s April 2026 debt collection report, describing it as a “cut-and-paste” exercise filled with excuses while municipal debt continues to climb, reaching R45.4 billion.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

According to the Finance Committee report tabled at the June council meeting, water accounts make up 42% of the total debt, while property rates and electricity contribute 23% and 14%, respectively. Household debt accounts for the largest share at R34 billion. In addition, 3 785 municipal employees collectively owe the municipality R77.5 million.

The committee stated that this reflected an increase in the number of households struggling to pay their municipal bills. Organs of state, including government departments and parastatals, owe R1.8bn. The provincial government owes eThekwini R1.2bn and the national government owes R8m.

The municipality said the growing arrears debt posed a serious risk to financial sustainability and the service delivery mandate. “It remains a major challenge for the council regarding debt collection,” the report stated.

Saul Basckin, ActionSA councillor in eThekwini, said only 8% of residents paid their bills within 30 days of being billed, which he deemed unsustainable.