The Mayor of King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality in Mthatha, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani, addressed the municipality’s struggle with high electricity losses due to illegal connections and tampered metres.
Nelani spoke about this issue during a media briefing following a three-day strategic planning session held recently at Hotel Savoy in Mthatha.
“We are losing a significant portion of our budget—about 20%—due to distribution losses caused by illegal connections. Some individuals install their own metres or connect to municipal infrastructure without authorisation. If this continues, the municipality could face serious financial difficulties,” he warned.
He urged residents with illegal connections or faulty metres to come forward and cooperate with the municipality.
“The ‘Operation Cima’ initiative is a step we are taking due to the lack of voluntary compliance. If residents come forward, report faulty metres, or disclose illegal connections and agree to settle outstanding amounts, we would not have to disconnect their electricity. However, if they do not cooperate, we will be forced to take action.”
He explained that the municipality reviews and updates its five-year Integrated Development Plan (IDP) annually. Currently, they are preparing for the 2025/2026 financial year, which starts on 1 July.
He added, “This is an exercise in reflecting on what we have done as KSD. We are assessing not only the 2024/2025 implementation but also preparing for the future. We conduct this assessment to identify any gaps and address them. This year is particularly significant because we are also considering the upcoming local government elections. Our planning must align with outstanding priorities as our term in office nears its end. We need to act swiftly where necessary.”
Nelani expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to the planning session. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions from stakeholders and the private sector, highlighting the high level of engagement.
He further noted that there are critical issues that require urgent attention.
“We are pleased with the way discussions have unfolded, as they have allowed us to seek solutions. Several key issues were raised, including the recognition of two additional secondary cities — KSD and Enoch Mgijima. Now, we must ensure that we utilise this status effectively. However, one of our major challenges remains the need for improved water services.”
He emphasised the municipality’s commitment to strengthening ties with the community and reducing the gap between local government and residents. According to him, it is not that they have not been engaging, but they want to enhance their efforts. This will help residents better understand the municipality’s work.
Nelani also highlighted the importance of fostering strong relationships between traditional leaders, the municipality, and the government.
Another topic discussed was the growing concern over burial space. He urged residents to consider cremation as an alternative, stating that land availability for new graveyards is limited.
According to him, cremation is something that families should start considering. It is becoming a necessary option. Nelani also addressed the issue of crime, emphasising its negative impact on tourism. He announced that the municipality had finalised a deal with Microsoft to install 102 surveillance cameras.
“We have already installed some of them, and it is just a matter of time before the entire project is completed. Crime is a major concern, as it discourages tourism. We are working closely with SAPS, and one of the key discussions in our campaigns was the need to accelerate crime-fighting strategies,” he said.
