By Levy Masiteng
A total of 1,837 invoices have been approved and scheduled for payment, the eThekwini Municipality has confirmed.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Mayor Cyril Xaba said the approvals form part of a broader effort to stabilise the municipality’s new online invoicing system and restore confidence among service providers.
Xaba added that more than 6,000 invoices, worth approximately R800 million, have already been paid since the beginning of the month, while over 5,000 additional invoices are currently being processed at various stages.
“Our focus remains on stabilising the system, embedding best practices, and ensuring that all valid invoices are processed and paid within 30 days,” he said.
The payment delays — which have sparked frustration and protests among contractors in recent months — have largely been linked to the rollout of the new online invoicing system.
Service providers have complained that invoices were not processed for months, with some claiming they were owed significant amounts, affecting their ability to operate.
Reports indicate that the system was introduced without sufficient training and user readiness, leading to resistance, errors and processing bottlenecks.
In some cases, administrative inefficiencies and documentation issues further delayed payments, with contractors accusing the City of poor communication and slow processing of submitted invoices.
Xaba acknowledged the challenges, noting that the transition forms part of a broader reform process aligned with the Municipal Finance Management Act and the implementation of the Municipal Standard Chart of Accounts (mSCOA).
“As with many municipalities, this transition has been complex and has required sustained effort over a number of years,” he said.
The municipality said the new system is expected to deliver long-term improvements, including enhanced transparency, faster processing times and stronger financial governance.
“The Supply Chain Management and Expenditure Directorates have initiated a secure digital portal that enables suppliers to submit invoices against approved orders and track their payment status in real time,” Xaba added.
To address current challenges, the municipality has rolled out training programmes for officials and suppliers, alongside support measures for users struggling with the system.
“Suppliers without access to digital tools will be able to receive assistance at municipal offices and Sizakala Centres from 4 May,” said Xaba.
Despite recent setbacks, the City maintains that digitising its procurement processes will ultimately improve efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
“We have taken these findings seriously and implemented corrective measures,” he said.
The municipality has urged suppliers to ensure invoices are submitted with the required documentation and within prescribed timeframes to avoid further delays.
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