By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The eThekwini Municipality said on Tuesday that more than 5,000 invoices had been processed through its newly introduced online invoice payment system, with a further 2,982 approved for payment.
The municipality said the figures showed progress in improving efficiency, transparency, and service delivery via the new system.
“The introduction of the online invoice system forms part of the Municipality’s broader efforts to enhance efficiency, transparency, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing financial management,” it said.
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“Service providers are encouraged to continue working collaboratively with the Municipality during this transition period to ensure full compliance.”
The rollout follows complaints from contractors and service providers over delayed payments.
In February, the municipality said delays beyond 30 days were generally linked to disputes, incorrect or incomplete invoices, missing supporting documents or irregularities. It said it had finalised the online invoice submission system to improve efficiency and allow service providers to track payment progress.
However, earlier this year, the new system had itself been blamed for delays, with plumbing contractors protesting outside city offices and some claiming they had not been paid for months.
The city said at the time that the delays were linked to the introduction of the system, which required all service providers to upload invoices directly onto the platform, and that additional accounts payable staff, scanning resources, training and extended working hours had been introduced to clear the backlog.
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In its statement on Tuesday, eThekwini said the system was designed to improve the experience for service providers while strengthening financial governance.
It said the benefits included improved turnaround times through automated workflows and reduced manual processing; enhanced transparency, allowing service providers to track the status of invoices; greater accuracy by minimising human error associated with manual submissions; stronger compliance with financial regulations and audit requirements; and better record management, with invoices securely stored and easily accessible.
The municipality also urged service providers to submit invoices on time.
“This will assist the Municipality in meeting its commitment to process payments within 14 days for SMMEs and within 30 days for all other service providers, in line with regulatory requirements,” it said.
It said that for those who experience difficulties or do not have access to computers, “assistance is available at the relevant line directorates”.
“From 4 May 2026, service providers may also visit Sizakala Centres for support with uploading invoices to their profiles on the portal.”
The municipality said it would continue to provide training and encouraged service providers to attend the training programmes.
“In addition to the available video resource, training may also be requested by emailing: Accountspay.ewfqueries@durban.gov.za.”
