City of Tshwane Ramps Up Efforts to Recover Millions in Unpaid Electricity Bills
The City of Tshwane has intensified its campaign to recover more than R16 million in unpaid electricity bills, cutting power to several major establishments, including a prominent Shoprite store.
On Monday, 10 March, the city’s executive team, led by Mayor Nasiphi Moya and supported by members of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), targeted the Shoprite outlet in Arcadia, which is linked to an outstanding electricity debt exceeding R7.3 million. However, the mayor clarified that the debt is attributed to the landlord, not the retailer itself.
This action formed part of the city’s ongoing “Tshwane ya Tima” operation, which focuses on disconnecting electricity to households and businesses that have failed to settle their municipal accounts.
Mayor Moya voiced her disappointment with repeated non-compliance, urging large businesses to take responsibility and engage with the city to make payment arrangements if necessary.
The revenue collection initiative did not stop with Shoprite. Other high-profile defaulters were also targeted as the city widened its efforts to address mounting municipal debt.
Among them was the Sheraton Hotel, which reportedly owes around R1.4 million. Despite previous attempts to secure payment through arrangements, the hotel’s ongoing failure to meet its obligations led to another disconnection.
Bothongo Plaza, a well-known 17-storey building that once housed municipal offices, now faces arrears of over R5.9 million. The city also disconnected power at the Homii Building, which had paid only R350,000 towards a R2.1 million debt, an amount officials deemed insufficient.
Positive Response from Industry
In contrast, Powertech Transformers, a manufacturing company based in Pretoria West, responded promptly by settling its R1.1 million debt on the spot. The city welcomed the payment as a positive example of financial accountability and encouraged other businesses to follow suit.
The City of Tshwane has made it clear that it will continue to pursue defaulting customers regardless of size or reputation in a bid to stabilise its finances and enforce municipal compliance.