MEC must intervene over Joburg’s inability to pay Eskom’s R4.9 billion debt – Solly Msimanga – POLITICS

DA demands MEC Mamabolo’s urgent intervention to ensure Joburg residents are not subjected to forced discharges

November 11, 2024

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is demanding that the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Jacob Mamabolo, under Section 139 of the Constitution, intervene in the financial crisis of the City of Joburg (CoGTA) and the inability to Eskom’s R4 to pay, 9 billion debts. Pursuant to Article 139, fifth paragraph, the provincial government can impose a recovery plan with which the municipality can meet its obligations.

The Court of Justice is failing to fulfill its financial responsibilities, which means that residents are now being put at a disadvantage by imposing compulsory tax relief on them.

Last week, Eskom announced that it plans to interrupt electricity supplies at certain times. This is a huge inconvenience and will impact businesses large and small without backup generators to keep them trading.

It is worrying that residents who pay for electricity will be punished as the Court of Justice fails to manage its finances.