Services in Musina, Limpopo, have been disrupted as communities protest over rates hikes and demand the resignation of municipal manager Nathi Tshiwanammbi.
Residents are calling for a reduction in the electricity tariff, which has increased by more than 12%, as well as decreased rates for water and sewerage services.
Residents’ spokesperson Stanley Sematle says, “The rates at Musina are so high and unreasonable. We are also concerned about issues of corruption. A tender has been issued, but the contractor has been paid without even coming to the site. When you ask the electrical department, they say they do not have tools of trade. If you come to Musina, you will see it is a dark town. Recently, we had an accident that claimed two lives because there are no street lights.”
Sematle adds that the community has experienced steep tariff hikes since Tshiwanammbi became municipal manager more than five years ago.
