By Levy Masiteng
The eThekwini Municipality has extended its Special Debt Relief Programme in a bid to provide domestic and business customers with a second chance to settle their outstanding debts.
The extension, which was approved by the Executive Committee (EXCO) during a Full Council meeting on Thursday, will run from Saturday to 31 January 2026.
The decision followed the recent close-out report of a similar programme that ran for 45 days between mid-May and the end of June 2025.
“…during which the city recovered only R1.3 billion of an expected R3.1 to R6.3 billion,” said the Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini.
The municipality said account holders with arrears dating back to 31 January 2025 will have the opportunity to settle 50% of their outstanding debt, with the municipality writing off the remaining 50%.
They also mentioned that customers can opt for a single payment or an interest-free payment plan spread across the three-month programme period.
Additionally, account holders who also owe for the period February to June 2025 will be allowed to settle this additional debt interest-free between February and June 2026.
“Further provisions include relief for water loss insurance shortfalls, or cases where insurance was not in place, allowing for a write-off between billed and average consumption—subject to proof that no insurance restitution was received,” the DA added.
The party welcomed the extension, with Executive Committee member Cllr Andre Beetge stating: “This extension aligns with the DA’s previous motions and recommendations to Council. We are pleased to see the inclusion of practical improvements such as recognising water loss claims, allowing limited payment plans, and timing the programme towards year-end when residents have access to additional income through bonuses or 13th cheques.”
During the council meeting, the DA urged the administration to address challenges experienced in the previous round, including poor communication and public awareness, inadequate staff training, and manual processes causing bottlenecks.
The municipality has committed to resolving disputes by 31 January 2026 where possible and processing credits should final outcomes favour account holders.
Cllr Beetge emphasised the importance of effective governance, saying, “By listening to our residents, gathering facts, and proposing realistic, implementable solutions, the DA has once again demonstrated that effective governance is built on accountability, consultation, and fairness.”
Application forms programme will be available from Sizakala centres and Florence Mkize building in Durban from Monday.
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