Harry Gwala District municipality (NDZ, Greater Kokstad, Ubuhlebezwe, Umzimkhulu) calls for public comment on proposed tariff increases, the draft budget and IDP
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- Proposed increases are available in the summary below
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This district in KwaZulu-Natal is particularly interesting because the Harry Gwala District Municipality (HGDM) serves as the Water Services Authority (WSA) for its local municipalities. This means that while you pay your local council for electricity and rates, your water bill is actually determined by the District.
THE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS
Staff salaries 4.75%
| Electricity (Dom) ⚡ | Property Rates 🏠 | Refuse 🗑️ | Water & San 💧 | |
| Greater Kokstad | 9.01% – 12.5%* | 4.7% | 4.7% | 5.3% |
| uMzimkhulu | 9.01% | 4.5% | 4.5% | 5.3% |
| Ubuhlebezwe (Ixopo) | 14.0% 🚩 | 3.7% | 3.7% | 5.3% |
| Dr. NDZ (Underberg) | 10.92% | 4.5% | 4.5% | 5.3% |
| Staff Salary Increase | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% |
*Greater Kokstad is currently reviewing a “Cost of Supply” markup that may push domestic tariffs higher for block users.
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- The Ubuhlebezwe Electricity Shock (14%): Ubuhlebezwe is the district’s “Electricity King” this year. Their proposed 14% hike for domestic users is nearly triple the 4.75% salary increase they are giving their own staff. 👔 This suggests the municipality is using electricity revenue to subsidize other departments.
- The District Water Role: The 5.3% hike is slightly above the national inflation target (CPI), which is currently around 4.5%. 🌊
- Kokstad’s Refuse Discipline: Greater Kokstad is keeping refuse and rates at 4.7%, which is almost perfectly aligned with the 4.75% salary benchmark. This is a rare case where the “Service vs. Salary” gap is nearly closed. 🗑️
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