City of Tshwane intensifies bebt recovery campaign, disconnects power to major businesses! The City of Tshwane has ramped up its efforts to recover over R16 million in unpaid electricity by cutting off power to several major businesses, including the popular grocery chain Shoprite.
This aggressive revenue collection campaign took place on Monday, March 11, 2025, and was led by Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya, who was accompanied by officers from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).
Shoprite Among the Major Defaulters
One of the biggest defaulters identified in the campaign was the Shoprite store in Arcadia, which has reportedly amassed an outstanding debt of R7.3 million.
Mayor Nasiphi Moya expressed her frustration over businesses failing to settle their municipal bills:
“They know what they need to do; they need to approach us and make a payment arrangement if they can’t afford their bill. Big businesses must do the right thing; they must learn to comply. More and more, we are realizing that they have been too relaxed and hardly do the right thing.”
City of Tshwane intensifies bebt recovery
Sheraton Hotel Faces Yet Another Disconnection
Another major establishment that faced power disconnection was the Sheraton Hotel, which owes approximately R1.4 million.
This is not the first time the luxury hotel has had its electricity cut off due to non-payment. Mayor Moya revealed that the hotel has faced multiple disconnections in the past and continues to default on payment agreements.
“We’ve switched the hotel off many times before, but they still refuse to honor their payment agreements with the city,” Moya explained.
During the latest disconnection, the hotel management attempted to negotiate a payment arrangement, but the municipality refused to back down without immediate settlement of the outstanding debt.
Bothongo Plaza and Homii Building Also Disconnected
The campaign also targeted Bothongo Plaza, a 17-storey building that was previously used as a municipal office space at a monthly rental of R5 million. The building currently owes more than R5.9 million in unpaid electricity bills.
Meanwhile, the Homii Building in the city was disconnected despite a recent R350,000 payment made toward its R2.1 million debt. Officials deemed the payment insufficient, insisting that businesses must take their financial obligations more seriously.
Some Businesses Act Quickly to Settle Debts
Unlike others who tried to delay payments, Powertech Transformers, a manufacturing company in Pretoria West, immediately settled a R1.1 million debt upon the arrival of Mayor Moya and her team.
This prompt response was praised by municipal officials as an example of how businesses should react to outstanding debt notices.
Tshwane’s Growing Debt Crisis
The City of Tshwane is currently grappling with a municipal debtor’s book that has ballooned to a staggering R29 billion.
Mayor Moya emphasized the urgent need for stronger debt recovery measures to prevent further financial strain on the city’s resources and service delivery.
“The reality is that the city cannot continue to provide services if businesses and individuals refuse to pay what they owe. We are committed to holding everyone accountable, regardless of their size or influence,” she said.
A Call for Financial Responsibility
The disconnection of major businesses serves as a stern warning to all municipal account holders in Tshwane. The municipality has made it clear that it will no longer tolerate businesses and institutions that fail to meet their financial obligations.
With the city actively pursuing outstanding debts, more businesses may face similar consequences if they do not comply with their municipal electricity payments.
As the campaign continues, Tshwane officials urge businesses and residents to make payment arrangements or settle their outstanding bills to avoid disconnections.
The success of this initiative will play a crucial role in stabilizing the city’s finances and ensuring that essential services continue to run smoothly for all residents.