Councillor proposes municipal-debt amnesty to offer “fresh start” for struggling families
NOTICE OF MOTION
Niel Patchapen, an African Democratic Change (ADeC) councillor in eThekwini, submitted a notice of motion to the eThekwini Municipality’s office of the speaker proposing a once-off municipal debt amnesty.
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AN ETHEKWINI councillor has proposed a once-off municipal-debt amnesty to help struggling families and businesses overwhelmed by unpayable arrears for electricity, water, and rates.
The motion, which will be debated in September's council sitting, aims to give residents a “clean slate” while potentially improving the municipality's revenue through better future compliance.
Niel Patchapen, an African Democratic Change (ADeC) councillor in eThekwini, submitted a notice of motion to the eThekwini Municipality’s office of the speaker earlier this week.
The motion was seconded by Mandla Biyela, a MK Party councillor.
He said the motion would be debated and voted upon by all councillors at the September council sitting.
Patchapen said the proposal calls for a once-off arrears amnesty, cancelling all historic debt on electricity, water, sanitation, and rates.
“South Africa’s history teaches us that when we choose compassion, we choose progress. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the credit amnesty, the tax amnesty, and the firearm amnesties all proved that forgiveness can heal, restore, and open the door to new beginnings. If we could find the courage to show compassion in those moments, surely we can do the same for our struggling residents today.”
Patchapen said across eThekwini, families were carrying debt they could not overcome.
“Mothers and fathers are forced to choose between paying for electricity or putting food on the table. Children go to bed hungry while small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, suffocate under bills that will never be paid off.”
Patchapen said the crisis had worsened for families due to various reasons.
“The Covid-19 pandemic robbed people of jobs and livelihoods, the rising Eskom tariffs, and failing water infrastructure. More than half of our water is lost before it reaches homes, yet residents still carry the cost.
“Also, our Revenue Management System has failed. Instead of efficiency, it created chaos by sending residents inflated or false bills month after month. Pensioners face impossible charges, families get disconnection notices for debts they do not owe, and small businesses are drained by constant disputes,” he said.
Patchapen said the amnesty would also benefit the municipality.
“By clearing unrecoverable debt it would reduce costly collections and boost future revenue through improved compliance. Granting an amnesty would allow residents and businesses to start from zero. By giving them a clean slate, they would be encouraged to pay their bills timeously going forward. This will grow the number of consistent paying customers for the city. Amnesty is not a loss, it is renewal, recovery, dignity, and accountability.”