The Democratic Alliance (DA) continues to exert pressure on Tsantsabane Municipality to urgently resolve the ongoing electricity token crisis in Postmasburg while we await the final outcome of the Public Protector’s (PP) investigation into the matter.
The issue was formally reported to the PP in May 2025 after the municipality failed to remedy the fallout from its 2023 decision to bypass approximately 400 pre-paid meters when the token system contract lapsed. This led to residents receiving astronomical backdated accounts, with little transparency on how the amounts were calculated. Rigid repayment terms were imposed without proper consultation.
Although the PP’s Office has engaged affected residents as part of its investigation, Tsantsabane Municipality has still not meaningfully addressed the root causes of the crisis.
The defective token system remains unresolved, billing uncertainty continues, and disconnection threats persist despite residents’ willingness to negotiate fair and affordable repayment arrangements.
One resident reports that their meter is still not up to standard and does not provide proper updates on electricity usage. Another continues to face an unexplained R25 000 bill that has still not been appropriately amended, another year down the line. In a separate case, a resident whose defective account amounted to R30 000 was forced to pay 50% upfront to avoid further consequences.
The DA is in the process of following up with the PP’s office on how far their investigation is. We continue to seek solutions from the Mayor and Municipal Manager and will maintain sustained pressure on the municipality until accountability is enforced and a fair, transparent and lasting solution is implemented.
Residents of Postmasburg do not deserve to continue carrying the cost of the municipality’s administrative failures.