Press Statement by: Dorothea Rix – DA Councillor City of Mbombela
-The municipality has failed to come and account for ineffective smart meters.
-Some of these smart meters are allegedly faulty and do not accept electricity tokens.
-We have asked the Project Manager to come assess these smart meters.
14 September 2026
Release: Immediate
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mbombela calls on the Executive Mayor, Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, to act transparently and account to the residents of Ward 14,15 and 16 on the shortcomings of the newly installed smart meters.
These smart meters were installed at a number of households across West Acres and Mataffin amongst others. Following installation,residents in these areas have been complaining that they are unable to load electricity tokens and others have raised concerns with how the units deplete faster.
Recently, the DA called a meeting with the municipality’s Project Manager, Linge Ngubane. However, she did not attend the meeting. Instead, a representative who did not have the technical knowledge on the smart meters was sent on behalf of the municipality.
This understandably caused frustration, and without the correct technical officials present, the meeting could not achieve its purpose. Our intention with this meeting was to create a platform where residents could raise their issues directly with the municipal Technical Department and the service provider.
It must be noted some of the affected areas are home to several businesses.
Therefore, these businesses are unable to operate at full capacity due to the meter faults. These faulty smart meters have also plunged our communities into darkness, exposing them to crime.
The DA acknowledges and supports the rolling out of smart meters to identified households, as it can reduce billing errors and improve the municipality’s revenue collection. However, transparency and sound government practices cannot be compromised.
With the 2026 Local Government Elections taking place this year, residents of Mbombela should take note of such shortcomings and vote for a party with a plan on how to modernise electricity trading.
If elected, the DA will collaborate with private companies to manage critical trading services, such as electricity provision. Where a municipality lacks capability, the private sector will help with operation and maintenance of their distribution networks.
We will continue pushing for clear answers and accountability so that every resident receives the service and transparency they deserve.
For media enquiries:
Dorothea Rix
DA Councillor City of Mbombela
082 771 2889