UMUZIWABANTU Local Municipality in Harding has announced an offer that will give debtors a fresh start with the launch of a six-month debt amnesty programme following a council resolution taken on 28 August.

According to the municipality, the programme, which runs from 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027, is open to all municipal account holders with outstanding debt as at 30 September 2026.

The balance on that date will be used as the baseline for calculating the amnesty benefit.

Municipal mayor Sboniso Zungu said the intervention was necessary as the municipality’s outstanding debt is currently sitting at R38 million. 

“Our debtors’ book continues to grow year-on-year despite our revenue collection efforts, including disconnections. Council has therefore taken a conscious decision to offer relief while also ensuring we recover funds due for service delivery,” said Zungu.

He urged consumers not to miss the window period: “This is a once-off opportunity for our community to substantially reduce their debt. We call on everyone who owes the municipality to visit our finance offices and make arrangements before 28 February 2027.”

How the amnesty works: 

The first category of residential, commercial and industrial debtors will be allowed to pay 60% of their capital debt as at 30 September, and the municipality will write off 40% of the debt accrued on their account. 

The second category includes government, agriculture and public benefit organisations (PBOs). They are required to pay 80% of their capital debt as at 30 September 2026, and the municipality will write off 20% of the debt accrued on account. 

The municipality said only payments made within the amnesty period will qualify for the write-off.

For enquiries and payment arrangements, customers have been advised to contact the Finance Department on 039 433 3554.

-Supplied