uMkhanyakude District municipality (Big 5 Hlabisa, Jozini, Mtubatuba, uMhlabuyalingana) calls for public comment on proposed tariff increases, the draft budget and IDP
-
- Proposed increases are available in the summary below
Scroll down to have your say
Have your say – shape the outcome.
This district is unique because it is one of the most rural in the country, and the uMkhanyakude District Municipality itself acts as the Water Services Authority (WSA) for the entire region.
THE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS
Staff salaries 4.75%
| Electricity (Domestic) ⚡ | Property Rates 🏠 | Refuse 🗑️ | Water & San (District) 💧 | |
| Mtubatuba | 9.01% – 12.7% | 4.5% | 4.5% | ~4.5% – 5.5% |
| Jozini | 9.01% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% – 5.5% |
| Umhlabuyalingana | 9.01% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% – 5.5% |
| Big Five Hlabisa | 14.0% 🚩 | 3.7% | 3.7% | ~4.5% – 5.5% |
| Staff Salary Increase | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% |
-
- The Big Five Hlabisa Electricity Shock (14%): While keeping rates low at 3.7%, Big Five Hlabisa is proposing a 14% electricity hike for domestic users. ⚡ This is nearly triple the 4.75% staff salary increase. This suggests the municipality is using electricity revenue to “cross-subsidize” other departments where they aren’t collecting enough revenue. 👔
- The District Water Role: Unlike the metros, the uMkhanyakude District Municipality sets the water price for all these locals. The draft water tariff is relatively low at approximately R20.78 per kl (0-30kl block), but the challenge in this district isn’t just the price—it’s the service. 🚰 Participants could comment on the R25 million Gazini Water Supply Project and other capital projects to ensure that their increased fees are actually being spent on fixing the taps. 🛠️
- Mtubatuba’s Mixed Hike: Mtubatuba often reviews a “markup” on the NERSA bulk increase. A proposed 12.7% increase would be significantly higher than the 9.01% Eskom purchase price, creating a “surplus” for the council at the expense of local households.
Have we got the wrong information?