Matjhabeng Municipality
By Thabo Mosia
The people of Matjhabeng are at a turning point. The Matjhabeng Local Municipality is grappling with a severe water crisis after Vaal Central Water (VCW) cut off the water supply due to an unpaid debt exceeding R6 billion. In an urgent notice released on Saturday, 10 May 2025, Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha called on residents, businesses, and government departments to pay their municipal services immediately to help restore water access.
“The Matjhabeng Local Municipality regrets to inform the public that Vaal Central Water (VCW) has taken the decision to close the water supply due to a significant outstanding debt of over R6 billion owed by the Municipality,” the mayor stated. A conditional deal has been struck with VCW to bring water back, but it hinges on the municipality paying over R60 million by Wednesday, 14 May 2025, and sticking to future monthly payments.
A Deepening Debt Crisis
Matjhabeng’s money troubles have been piling up for years. The municipality owes massive amounts to service providers like VCW and Eskom, with the debt to VCW alone now topping R6 billion. “This unfortunate development stems from the Municipality’s ongoing financial challenges and failure to meet its payment obligations to VCW,” the mayor explained. This isn’t just a local problem—it’s a sign of a bigger issue across South Africa, where municipalities owe water boards a staggering R22.36 billion as of June 2024. Matjhabeng’s debt has grown unchecked, putting pressure on both the municipality and the water board, which is struggling to stay afloat.
A Fragile Deal to Restore Water
After urgent talks, the municipality secured a lifeline from VCW. “Following urgent negotiations, the Municipality has secured a conditional agreement with VCW to restore the water supply by today or tomorrow,” the mayor announced. The catch? Matjhabeng must pay an initial R60 million by 14 May 2025 and keep up with monthly payments moving forward. If this deadline is missed, the taps will stay off, leaving the entire community without water. “This agreement is critical, and any failure to meet the terms by Wednesday will result in a complete water shutdown across Matjhabeng,” the mayor warned.
Operation Kwala Steps Up
To tackle this crisis, the municipality is cracking down on unpaid accounts through Operation Kwala. This programme targets households and properties that haven’t paid their bills, with service disconnections set to happen without warning. “In response to this financial crisis, the Municipality will intensify Operation Kwala, targeting those who continue to ignore payment requests,” the notice stated. “Disconnections will be carried out without further notice on all properties with outstanding debt.” It’s a tough move, but the municipality says it’s necessary to raise the funds needed to keep water flowing.
Residents Called to Action
The mayor laid out clear steps for the community to follow. “We therefore make an earnest plea to all residents, businesses, government departments, and farms to immediately begin honouring their service payment commitments,” he said. Starting Monday, 12 May 2025, residents must pay their current accounts. Those behind on payments need to visit municipal offices to set up payment plans. Even indigent households are asked to chip in at least R250 and keep up with monthly payments. “All townships must participate in this collective effort by paying for municipal services,” the notice added. The message is simple: everyone must help, or everyone will suffer.
A National Problem Hits Home
Matjhabeng isn’t alone in this mess. Across South Africa, municipalities like Kopanong, Mangaung, and Nala also owe VCW huge sums, pushing the water board to the edge of collapse. The National Treasury is stepping in, planning to withhold funds from municipalities that don’t pay their water bills—a move that could hit Matjhabeng hard if it doesn’t meet its obligations. This widespread debt crisis is making it tough for water boards and municipalities to keep services running, leaving communities like Matjhabeng caught in the middle.
What’s at Stake
If the water stays off, life in Matjhabeng will grind to a halt. Families won’t have water to drink, cook, or wash with. Schools and hospitals could struggle to function, and businesses might have to close, costing jobs. Farms, which depend on water for crops and animals, could face losses that ripple through the local economy. “Failure to comply will affect the entire community, as VCW will again cut the water supply,” the mayor cautioned. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and time is running out.
Efforts to Fix the Problem
The municipality isn’t just asking for payments—it’s also working on solutions. It recently received over R3.4 billion to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, with some pump stations and sewage plants already underway. But the debt keeps holding things back. “We urge all residents to understand that the Municipality cannot provide services without revenue,” the notice stressed. “Your cooperation is critical to sustaining the water supply and ensuring the continued delivery of essential services.” It’s a team effort, and every rand counts.
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