A dispute over unpaid electricity bills has led to a blackout at the Mpumalanga government complex, including the office of Premier Mandla Ndlovu. The Democratic Alliance (DA) raised concerns on 4 February after power was cut at the provincial headquarters in Mbombela.

The 90,000m² complex, managed by the provincial department of public works, is usually exempt from loadshedding. However, unlike tertiary hospitals, Rob Ferreira Hospital, a regional facility, does not share this exemption.

The DA claims that the Mbombela local municipality cut the power due to the department of public works owing over R5.5 billion in unpaid rates and taxes. The party likened the amount to the cost of building the R1-billion Mbombela Stadium five times over.

Schools May Be Next

Teboho Sekaledi, the DA’s spokesperson on public works, called the situation “sad,” warning that schools in Mbombela could face similar power cuts if the department fails to pay. The party alleges that the department has ignored payment demands since June 2024, prompting the municipality to act.

However, public works spokesperson Bongani Dlamini refuted the DA’s claim, stating that the actual outstanding debt for the 2024/2025 financial year is R113 million, with R61 million already paid. He confirmed ongoing discussions with the municipality and provincial treasury.

Municipalities Enforce Tougher Measures

The Mbombela local municipality has yet to disclose the exact amount owed. Meanwhile, the Mpumalanga government complex is not alone in this crisis. Recently, the Mangaung local municipality also cut power to government buildings over unpaid electricity bills, highlighting a growing trend of municipalities cracking down on non-payment.

As of publishing, municipal spokesperson Joseph Ngala had not responded to inquiries. Similarly, provincial health department spokesperson Dumisani Malamule acknowledged media questions regarding the power cut’s impact on Rob Ferreira Hospital but had not yet provided a response.