The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) insists that the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality urgently provide clarity on the monthly levy reportedly being imposed on properties that have been disconnected from the municipal electricity grid and exclusively use solar power.
On 4 September 2026, AfriForum questioned the legality, rationality and fairness of this levy, stating that the charge even appears in writing on the utility bills of residents who receive no electricity from the municipality.
The Freedom Front Plus requested the Municipal Manager, Mr Roy Makwakwa, to provide, among other things, the cost-of-supply study, the relevant council resolution, proof of public participation, as well as NERSA’s approval and a comprehensive explanation of the tariff to councillors.
The Municipality also needs to clarify what actual service or benefit residents gain in exchange for this amount.
Thaba Chweu cannot simply charge an electricity-related levy on residents’ accounts without providing a clear, lawful and properly motivated reason. Residents may not be forced to pay for some service they do not receive.
According to AfriForum, the organisation demanded documentation and explanations from the Municipal Manager on 20 July 2026, but has not received any feedback.
The alleged failure to respond to a valid request for information reinforces the suspicion that the process lacks due transparency and accountability.
If the levy is indeed lawful and cost-related, the Municipality should disclose the supporting documentation at once. The Freedom Front Plus has already requested that the matter be placed on the agenda of the next council meeting.
Furthermore, the Municipality should temporarily suspend charging and collecting the levy until the legal basis, public participation process, cost calculation and NERSA’s approval have been fully disclosed and thoroughly investigated.
Thaba Chweu residents are already saddled with high electricity tariffs, excessive fixed charges and constant service delivery failures. The Municipality should not regard them as an easy source of revenue and add to their financial burden, expecting them to bear the consequences of years of financial mismanagement.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep pressuring the Municipality for clear answers and will not let up until it has been assured that residents will only pay lawful, fair and properly approved tariffs.
