Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Inge Wilken
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana is alarmed by the ongoing collapse of the municipal billing system, which has once again left residents facing confusion, frustration, and unfair accounts.
In October 2025, the City of Matlosana cancelled the contracted meter-reading service and instructed residents to submit their own readings. Thousands of residents complied diligently, hoping to contribute to a smooth transition. Instead, residents woke up to accounts that were inaccurate, inflated, and unmanageable.
Residents are reporting:
- No meter readings captured, despite timely submission
- Payments not allocated to accounts
- Unrealistic and massive estimated readings
- Grossly inflated balances that many cannot afford
The Billing Department implemented a new billing system, introduced internal meter readers, and launched an online portal for residents who do not allow access to their properties. Yet, even after two months of training, there is no confirmation that meter readings are accurate or that internal officials are performing their duties reliably.
Billing is the first and most critical revenue stream of any municipality. Without accurate billing, the City has no income — and without income, service delivery collapses.
The DA calls on the City of Matlosana to urgently take responsibility and restore functionality, accuracy, and transparency to its billing system. Residents deserve competent administration and fair treatment, and the DA will continue to expose failures and hold the municipality accountable until a reliable system is restored.