# Harry Gwala

- Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/budget-22-23/harry-gwala-2/
- Published: 2023-04-09T19:51:43+02:00
- Author: dearSA

![](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/02144255/DearSouthAfrica-
Municipal-budgets-and-tariff-increases-1.jpg "DearSouthAfrica Municipal budgets 
and tariff increases")

![DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/
02/08135845/DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA.png "DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA")

### Harry Gwala District municipality (NDZ, Greater Kokstad, Ubuhlebezwe, Umzimkhulu) 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

[click to view info, statements and documents ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/budget-22-23/summary/#1649774481561-2dd31287-fbc1)

[click to view comments from other participants ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/budget-22-23/comments)

## Have your say – shape the outcome.

**Do you agree with the proposed tariff/rates increases? (scroll down to view) **

**what is your concern? **

As you've selected 'All of the above', if you had to choose a top concern, what 
would it be?

**What is your preferred channel for feedback on this campaign?**

**Your preferred language?**

**What is your status? (for our reporting purposes only) **

**Check your email address then hit send! You will be redirected to a confirmation
page. **

![D-icon](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/11192438/
D-icon-40x40-1.png "D-icon-40x40")

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._

    - _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. 🗑️

**Have we got the wrong information?**

[ send us the correct info](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/budget-22-23/harry-gwala-2/%20municipalinfo@dearsouthafrica.co.za?subject=correct%20info%20for%20Harry%20Gwala%20District%20increases)

[ view other municipalities](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/budget-22-23/)