Tshwane’s Amnesty Program Encourages Residents to Come Clean About Tampered Meters Amid Debt Relief Plan
The City of Tshwane’s latest amnesty program is proving successful, with thousands of residents coming forward to declare their tampered electricity meters. As part of a broader debt relief initiative, the city has offered residents the opportunity to report meter tampering voluntarily and receive a waiver on tampering fees.
Mass Participation in Amnesty Program
Last week, Deputy Mayor and MMC of Finance Eugene Modise announced the amnesty program, which forms part of a larger effort to stabilize Tshwane’s finances. The scheme allows residents who have tampered with their electricity meters to come clean without facing penalties.
According to ANC Tshwane caucus spokesperson Joel Masilela, the initiative has already seen significant engagement. “In Ward 15 in Mamelodi, hundreds of residents have stepped forward, saying they no longer want to live with the guilt of using electricity illegally,” he said.
In just two days, city officials received over 1,200 queries related to meter tampering, and the number continues to rise. Masilela estimates that in his ward alone, applications for amnesty could surpass 3,000.
Political Tensions Amid Amnesty Efforts
Despite the success of the program, political tensions remain high. DA Tshwane has criticized the initiative, with DA councillor Jacqui Uys approaching the public protector to investigate the involvement of Triotic Protection Services, a company allegedly linked to Deputy Mayor Modise.
Tshwane DA leader Cilliers Brink has questioned the company’s performance and demanded to know whether penalties have been imposed due to service failures. However, Masilela insists that under the ANC coalition government, the city will achieve a clean financial audit and continue implementing programs to assist struggling residents.
Moving Toward Financial Stability
The City of Tshwane’s debt relief scheme aims to write off R10 billion in outstanding municipal debts, providing residents with an opportunity to normalize their accounts. Officials remain hopeful that the amnesty initiative will encourage more people to step forward and become compliant with municipal regulations.
As the city intensifies its crackdown on illegal electricity use, the amnesty program marks a crucial step toward restoring financial stability and ensuring fair access to electricity for all residents.
Also read: How to Get Free Basic Electricity Every Month in South Africa – Check if You Qualify
