15-07-2025
Pay up or face cut-offs: Mogale cracks down on high-value defaulters
Mogale City's Credit Control Division has embarked on an extensive drive to recover outstanding debt from defaulting customers under its 'Ra Tima' campaign, which kicked off last week, Tuesday, July 8.
Targeting both households and businesses, the campaign forms part of the broader Operation Qoqimali initiative, which calls on residents to take pride in their city and pay for the services they use. The municipality has emphasised that restoring a payment culture is crucial to sustaining service delivery and ensuring the city runs efficiently.
According to Refilwe Mahlangu, communications officer at MCLM, as of August 2024, residents, businesses, and government entities collectively owed Mogale City R3.5b in unpaid municipal accounts.
She said this figure has since surged to R3.9b. Of that total, households are responsible for R2.793b, an amount that could be used to overhaul ageing water infrastructure. Government departments owe R117m, and businesses R780m.
'These are funds that could significantly enhance electricity networks and youth development facilities.'
To enforce compliance, Mahlangu said Credit Control, backed by Public Safety officials, clamped down on high-value defaulters.
'A block of flats at the corner of Luipaard and Market Street was disconnected for owing over R1m, while an estate in Ruimsig was cut off due to a debt of around R1.7m. Businesses such as a hotel and spa [ owing nearly R3m] and an investment company [owing over R1.4m] were also cut off.'
Refilwe said the MMC for Finance, Victor Molefe, stated that while the aim is not to be punitive, Mogale City must instil a culture of accountability to safeguard future service delivery.
'Mogale City is now urging all customers who are struggling to settle their accounts to engage proactively with the city to avoid enforcement action. Flexible payment plans are available, and customers who settle their debt in full within 12 months will qualify for a 100% interest write-off, an incentive aimed at encouraging financial responsibility while easing the burden on residents and businesses,' Molefe said.
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