Two Atteridgeville businesses were left without electricity this week after the City of Tshwane disconnected their supply over nearly R9.5 million in alleged unpaid municipal debt, a move that has sparked mixed reactions among residents.
The disconnections occurred on 26 May 2026 during a municipal revenue-collection operation in the township.
According to Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, Bontleng Hair and Beauty Salon allegedly owes the City R2.1 million, while African Supply Store allegedly owes R7.4 million. Combined, the businesses reportedly owe about R9.5 million.
The City said the action forms part of its #TshwaneYaTima campaign aimed at recovering outstanding municipal revenue and addressing non-payment by businesses and residents.
However, the move has divided opinion in the community.
Some residents welcomed the enforcement. Community member Kopano Molefe said businesses that fail to pay for services place pressure on already-strained municipal resources.
“If businesses owe millions and do not pay, it affects all of us because the City struggles to maintain services such as electricity, roads and water,” he said.
Others questioned whether the City applies the same level of enforcement consistently across all areas.
“We understand people must pay, but residents are also frustrated because we still experience outages and poor service delivery in some areas,” said Angeline Mahlangu.
Local street vendor Arron Chauke described the disconnections as a warning to other businesses.
“The City is showing that no one is above the law. Businesses making money should pay for services just like ordinary residents do,” he said.
It remains unclear how long the debts had allegedly accumulated, whether the businesses were offered payment arrangements before the disconnections, and how many other entities in Atteridgeville face similar action.
Attempts to obtain a comment from the mayor’s spokesperson on these questions were unsuccessful at the time of publishing.
