Cash-strapped businesses and residents drowning in municipal debt have been thrown a lifeline — a new amnesty deal that could see half their overdue bills wiped out if they settle the balance within a year.
The arrears rate has steadily increased over the past year, climbing from 64.8% in July 2024 to 67.6% in July 2025.
Since June 2024, household debt has surged from R12bn to R16bn. Unpaid water bills alone account for R9bn.
The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has launched a programme to write off 50% of debt on all residential and business accounts that are in arrears, offering much-needed breathing room.
The applications for the revenue enhancement programme opened on July 1 and will close on September 30.
It is open to residential,…