Beware defaulters, #TshwaneYaTima is back with a bang!

The City of Tshwane has announced that its aggressive revenue collection campaign #TshwaneYaTima is back and ready to disconnect water and electricity to those who don’t pay for the services.

The City was owed R17 billion by various government departments, embassies, homeowners and commercial properties. During its ‘sabbatical’, the City reportedly collected over R13 million from embassies. In total, over R500 million was collected from those who had defaulted on their municipal accounts.

WHAT IS #TSHWANEYATIMA?

The City of Tshwane embarked on the campaign in early February.

Acting City Manager, Mmaseabata Mutlaneng said most of the people who owed were not consistent when it came to paying and others had not paid in a long while. 

SARS, PRASA, SAPS Headquarters under Mendo Properties form part of the government entities that were disconnected for not paying their electricity bills. Other defaulters included the University of Pretoria, hotels, malls, residential complexes. Railway transport provider, Gautrain was also disconnected for owing R10 million.

#TshwaneYaTima is back, we've been on a sabbatical. Nou dilo di nametse RunX! Embassies owed us about R13m, we disconnected some, others paid and made arrangements. The amount now owed is R3m. We are serious, you use our services you have to pay, Wang tshwara mos!!!

— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) March 10, 2022

#TshwaneYaTima also prompted the City of Johannesburg to embark on a similar drive. The campaign was also hailed for holding to account everyone without fear or favour.

Executive Mayor Randal Williams said the City of Tshwane managed to recoup over R500 million since the campaign started.

In total, approximately 1061 accounts were disconnected including 533 government and 528 business accounts. The disconnections prompted 335 customers to pay their bills.

“This campaign has proved to be a step in the right direction to correct the culture of non-payment which ultimately has dire consequences on how a municipality is able to deliver services to its communities,” Williams said.

Williams also urged residents not to ignore their bills but rather come forward and make arrangements to keep their accounts in good standing.

The City’s customer care centres are open to assist residents with queries and payment arrangements. Residents can also make use of virtual consultations via Zoom.

ALSO READ: City of Tshwane cuts power and water as it is owed R17 billion