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Mbombela’s 90-Day Amnesty Plan Rejected

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) was the only party to vote against the decision by the Mbombela Local Municipality (Mbombela/Nelspruit, Barberton, Hazyview, Kaapschehoop, Skukuza, White River) to grant a 90-day amnesty to residents with illegal water and electricity connections as well as tampered meters. The proposal, approved during the Municipality’s latest council meeting, allows […]

The post Freedom Front Plus rejects Mbombela’s 90-day amnesty for illegal consumption appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) was the only party to vote against the decision by the Mbombela Local Municipality (Mbombela/Nelspruit, Barberton, Hazyview, Kaapschehoop, Skukuza, White River) to grant a 90-day amnesty to residents with illegal water and electricity connections as well as tampered meters.

The proposal, approved during the Municipality’s latest council meeting, allows residents to have their accumulated debt written off, have meters legally installed, and pay utility bills monthly going forward.

The party warns that such amnesty rewards illegal behaviour, may encourage future illegal consumption and will increase the burden on law-abiding consumers.

The Freedom Front Plus has been advocating for more stringent meter audits since March 2022. The Municipality has already audited over 5 000 accounts and imposed fines in addition to implementing a Freedom Front Plus motion to increase penalties in 2023. Granting amnesty now undermines this progress.

The party also questions the lawfulness of the decision. Mbombela’s Credit Control and Debt Collection Bylaw makes no provision for such amnesty. Instead, it prescribes fines and legal action against offenders.

Consequently, the Freedom Front Plus requested Mpumalanga’s MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr Speedy Mashilo, in writing to probe the possible violation of applicable regulations, and compile a report on who benefits most from the amnesty as well as its impact on the Municipality’s finances.

The Freedom Front Plus will not allow taxpayers to be punished while offenders are rewarded.

The party will keep fighting against mismanagement and unfair decisions that undermine the principles of justice and accountability.

Freedom Front Plus Public Participation: The party encourages public participation in governance.

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