ActionSA Supports Debt Relief Programme and Recommends Measures to Ensure Effective Implementation
Zwakele Mncwango
ActionSA KZN Provincial Chairperson & eThekwini Metro Caucus leader
Today, ActionSA moved an amendment to the Municipality’s full and final settlement debt relief programme, which seeks to assist households and businesses struggling with historical municipal debt. The programme, approved by Council, will be effective from today until 30 June 2025.
In our proposed amendment, we called for the extension of the programme’s deadline to 14 August 2025 -90 days from the date of Council approval -.
This extension would allow the Municipality adequate time to communicate the details of the programme to residents and business owners, ensuring that those in financial distress are fully informed and able to take advantage of the relief measures, furthermore, it would afford municipal officials the necessary time to roll out the programme effectively and without administrative pressure.
However, in view of the approaching end of the 2024/2025 financial year, we withdrew our amendment and instead formally recommended that the programme be reintroduced at the start of the 2025/2026 financial year and run until 14 August 2025.
In addition, we proposed strategies to improve the reach and effectiveness of the programme:
• That the Municipality send SMS notifications directly to ratepayers with high levels of outstanding debt, informing them about the relief opportunity.
• That officials at all Sizakala Centres be properly educated with accurate and up-to-date information regarding the debt relief programme to assist residents effectively when they visit Centres to enquire or apply for debt relief.
We remain committed to advancing practical solutions that provide meaningful relief to our residents and support the financial sustainability of our City.
ActionSA Supports Debt Relief Programme and Recommends Measures to Ensure Effective Implementation
Today, ActionSA moved an amendment to the Municipality’s full and final settlement debt relief programme, which seeks to assist households and businesses struggling with historical municipal debt. The programme, approved by Council, will be effective from today until 30 June 2025.
In our proposed amendment, we called for the extension of the programme’s deadline to 14 August 2025 -90 days from the date of Council approval -.
This extension would allow the Municipality adequate time to communicate the details of the programme to residents and business owners, ensuring that those in financial distress are fully informed and able to take advantage of the relief measures, furthermore, it would afford municipal officials the necessary time to roll out the programme effectively and without administrative pressure.
However, in view of the approaching end of the 2024/2025 financial year, we withdrew our amendment and instead formally recommended that the programme be reintroduced at the start of the 2025/2026 financial year and run until 14 August 2025.
In addition, we proposed strategies to improve the reach and effectiveness of the programme:
• That the Municipality send SMS notifications directly to ratepayers with high levels of outstanding debt, informing them about the relief opportunity.
• That officials at all Sizakala Centres be properly educated with accurate and up-to-date information regarding the debt relief programme to assist residents effectively when they visit Centres to enquire or apply for debt relief.
We remain committed to advancing practical solutions that provide meaningful relief to our residents and support the financial sustainability of our City.