Mpumalanga municipalities ordered to pay Eskom debt

The Mpumalanga Executive Council has issued a directive to all municipalities owing Eskom to repay their debt.
Municipalities such as Govan Mbeki, Emalahleni and Thaba Chweu are owing millions of rands for electricity.
Eskom has threatened to switch-off electricity for those municipalities failing to service their debt.
Executive council spokesperson Thulasizwe Thomo says they are also encouraging communities to pay rates and taxes so that the municipalities can improve their revenue collections.
“The high Eskom debt is leaving a detrimental effect in the financial stability in many of our municipalities. Municipalities must enforce by-laws to curb illegal connections by improving security of the infrastructure. In its wisdom, the lekgotla has directed municipalities to develop and credible repayment plan with Eskom and the appointment of qualified artisans.”
Meanwhile, while tabling his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement last year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana raised concerns over municipal escalating debt, saying that it poses a risk to Eskom’s improved financial performance.
Godongwana said arrears increased from R55. 3 billion to R94. 6 billion in a year, as recorded at the end of March in 2025.
Eskom profitable, municipal debt remains a concern: 

 
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