Press Statement by Robert Dlamini: DA Caucus Leader City of Mbombela
The City of Mbombela has failed to implement effective debt collection policies against state organs.
The municipality is owed R338 million by state organs and nothing is done.
The DA has asked the Public Protector to look into this.
8 June 2026
Release: Immediate
The Democratic Alliance in the City of Mbombela has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector over the municipality’s failure to enforce credit control and debt collection policies against defaulting organs of state.
Currently, the municipality continues to provide uninterrupted services to these state entities despite a collective debt of R338 million. This dynamic directly compromises the municipality’s financial viability and violates local government legislation.
The municipality has not provided any logical explanation for failing to cut off or restrict the services of these defaulting state organs, therefore, this establishes a clear case of selective enforcement.
The DA reiterates that Section 96 of the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000) mandates the
municipality to collect all money due and payable to it. The act further emphasises that the municipality must adopt, maintain and implement a credit control and debt collection policy.
Recently, the DA tabled a motion during an Ordinary Council Meeting. In the motion, we requested the termination of municipal services to all defaulting entities to preserve municipal liquidity. However, this was rejected.
In addition, a meeting was requested with the Executive Mayor, Sibongile Makushe, to discuss the enforcement of the credit control and debt collection policy and Section 96 of the Municipal Structures Act to all organs of the state in arrears. Mayor Makushe ignored this request.
As a result of the municipality’s disregard, we have now asked the Public Protector amongst other things to order the Municipal Manager to immediately apply Section 96 of the Municipal Systems Act and Sections 5.1.1.1 and 5.1.1.2 of the Local Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy to all organs of state with arrear amounts exceeding 30 days.
The functionality and sustainability of the municipality should be prioritised. The DA will continue to fight for transparent and good governance. We will not remain silent and watch the ANC led government disregard the Municipal Structures Act.