The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) views the announcement by the Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Hassan Mako, that the Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging) will apply to have another R2 billion of its Eskom debt written off as political theatrics aimed at the 2026 local government elections.
According to Mako, Emfuleni owes Eskom only R5 billion after its first application to the National Treasury (NT) to write off R2 billion of its Eskom debt was successful.
Eskom’s latest statement, however, still reflects the initial R2 billion, which has not yet been written off, so, the Municipality owes Eskom more than R9 billion.
Mako’s calculations, therefore, do not add up and also fail to account for the interest Eskom continues to charge on the outstanding amount.
When its debt relief programme was introduced in 2023, the NT approved Emfuleni’s first application on strict conditions, including improved revenue collection, repairs to electricity infrastructure and transparency.
Meanwhile, residents and businesses currently settle their electricity bills directly with Eskom. So, it is doubtful whether Emfuleni’s second application will succeed, as the Municipality has not met, nor can it meet, the required criteria.
The Freedom Front Plus views this announcement, as well as the R660 million paid to Rand Water to lift its attachment on Emfuleni’s current account, as an attempt to pull the wool over residents’ eyes.
Currently, the Municipality only generates revenue from refuse removal and property rates; and without alternative income sources, Emfuleni will never recover financially.
The Freedom Front Plus takes a stand with Emfuleni residents, who deserve safe and reliable service delivery, which is only possible if the ANC is ousted at the polls.
