eThekwini revives debt relief for about 154 resolved billing disputes

By Levy Masiteng 

The eThekwini Municipality has reinstated its Special Debt Relief Programme for customers whose account disputes were still under consideration when the initiative ended in January 2026, and whose cases have since been resolved.

The municipality said eligible customers have until the end of August 2026 to apply for the once-off relief.

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The decision, which was approved by full council, applies exclusively to about 154 account disputes involving electricity, water and rates bills, with a combined value of approximately R112.3 million.

Mayor Cyril Xaba urged eligible customers who previously missed out because their disputes had not yet been resolved to make use of the opportunity before the deadline.

The reinstatement followed the municipality’s engagement with residents after the programme closed.

“When we first introduced the programme from May to June