Latest news with #TshwaneYaTima
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Uproar as Tshwane cuts power to three police stations
'Saps Garsfontein was switched off too, but they have a generator. Mamelodi East is using solar power for backup.' Many were confused about the City of Tshwane's decision to cut power to three police stations in the capital as part of its Tshwane Ya Tima campaign to get outstanding accounts up to date. In June, the mayor was criticised for cutting the power to the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital due to the Gauteng department of health's failure to settle R1.2 million in overdue electricity charges for March and April. ALSO READ: Power still cut at Pretoria police stations as deputy mayor denies getting special treatment Power restored at Police station Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the power was restored at the Moot police station on Wednesday night, after the supply was disconnected on Tuesday. 'Saps Garsfontein was switched off too, but they have a generator. Mamelodi East is using solar power for backup,' she added. Muridili said police were working with the department of public works and administration to get the power restored and resolve the matter. Credit control needed DA Tshwane caucus spokesperson Jacqui Uys said the City of Tshwane needs to implement its credit control policy to ensure the financial health and future of the city. 'However, this needs to happen fairly and without bias, following the correct intergovernmental processes. 'Currently, the ANC's patronage networks and the deputy mayor's pocket are benefiting while our communities, who deserve police services, are paying the price,' she claimed. Uys said the power cut at Saps Moot was an indication that the deputy mayor's financial interest was more important than the safety of residents. ALSO READ: Water, power and reporting problems persist in Tshwane The City's debt The deputy mayor and MMC of finance Eugene Modise must provide a clear explanation regarding the special treatment of his company, Mzansi Resorts, which owes the city in excess of R20 million and has not had services cut, in relation to Tshwane Ya Tima which on Tuesday cut power to Saps in the Moot,' she said. Modise denied the allegations and rebuffed the opposition's criticism. 'Mzansi is not indebted to the City of Tshwane and does not hold a municipal account with the city. 'If they believe otherwise, they must produce verifiable proof of any municipal account held by Mzansi with the City of Tshwane,' he said. Instead of undermining the efforts of the #TshwaneYaTima campaign, the DA should acknowledge the strides made in optimising revenue collection to strengthen service delivery, Modise said. Southern Sun disconnected The city continued with Tshwane Ya Tima on Thursday, and further disconnected Southern Sun Arcadia due to a R12 million debt. 'No pay, no power. Accountability is not optional,' he said. Modise said Shoprite also settled a R600 000 payment just as the city was about to pull the plug for over R500 000 owed. 'Responsibility isn't a favour – it's a duty. 'Pay your municipal bills,' he said. NOW READ: 'Engineered dysfunction': City of Tshwane disconnects its own water reservoir for non-payment
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Power cut to police station sparks DA backlash over alleged favouritism
DA leaders are demanding answers after Tshwane cut power to the Moot police station but not a business owing millions. The City of Tshwane was yet to comment on criticism over cutting power to Moot police station on Tuesday as part of its Tshwane ya Tima programme to collect debt owed. The police station was still without power after the city cut its electricity due to arrears of an estimated R150 000. Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed power had not been switched back yesterday. 'SAPS, together with the department of public works and administration, are working to restore the power,' she said. Power switched off at police station over debt Muridili said service delivery was not hampered as the station had a generator to supply power until the matter was resolved. DA Tshwane caucus chair Jacqui Uys called on the city to explain why the station's power was disconnected, while a private business owned by the deputy mayor, who is also the MMC of finance, was spared. ALSO READ: Wetland squatters remain after eviction in Wolwespruit area Uys asked if the deputy mayor's financial interest were more important than safety of residents. 'The deputy mayor and MMC of finance, Eugene Modise, must provide a clear explanation regarding the special treatment of his company, Mzansi Resorts, which owes the city R20 million and has not had services cut, in relation to Tshwane Ya Tima, which cut power to Saps in the Moot.' It was, however, believed the police power was cut not because of water and lights bills, but estate tax. Power cut due to estate tax An insider, who agreed to speak anonymously, said the city not only switched off the connection, but removed it. 'We have been asking for a while why the deputy mayor's business at Morula Sun still has power after he owes so much, yet he and the mayor cut others for less through their campaign.' ALSO READ: Tshwane hands over title deeds to Stinkwater residents The source questioned if political interference played a role in the police station being targeted. DA Tshwane caucus leader Cilliers Brink said if the power was switched off, it was important that the city and credit control assured all the other outstanding accounts, such as Morula Sun, were paid. 'If the deputy mayor can jump free from his debt, so should the police station,' he said. Process unfair Brink said the process was unfair as it benefited the deputy mayor at the disadvantage of the residents. Deputy mayor Modise declined to comment, saying he was not aware of the issue. NOW READ: Tshwane shuts down workers' protest at last minute
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- The Citizen
Metro removes occupants from condemned building
The Tshwane metro, led by Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, recently evicted occupants of a Pretoria West building marked for demolition. In March, the metro obtained a court order to demolish illegally constructed buildings on Stand 1313 and Stand 1312, located at 510 and 514 Luttig Street, Pretoria West. The Pretoria High Court received an appeal from George Asaba and GABSA Consolidated Prop (Pty) Ltd to stop the order from being carried out, but the appeal was struck off the roll in the High Court on April 3. The structures built violated the National Building Regulations and Building Standards. While conducting a Tshwane Ya Tima drive in parts of the CBD and Pretoria West, the mayor stopped by the condemned property to remove any occupants or property still left at the site. They stopped the Tshwane Ya Tima operation temporarily to support the officers enforcing the court order. 'Something good happened in our pursuit of law and order in our city. We have obtained a court order that has allowed us to demolish the structure. Both of these yards have erected all of this illegally. There are no approved plans, so we approached the court and the court granted us the order,' Moya said. Moya said the city has been fighting for three years in court while owners kept expanding their building, and described the order being granted as a victory for Tshwane. 'These private people who erect these [buildings] and rent them out don't want to take the responsibility for those people who then rent from them. It's quite sad to see such because it shows people want to put money over people's rights,' she said. 'We have removed the people who are staying here because, more than anything, these buildings are not safe. We can say we're not going to evict people, but what if something happens to them? We've seen these cases in Tshwane, and we've seen them in Joburg. She said they were going to demolish the structure. 'When you look at it, you can see no thought went into the fact that this is a space that should be suitable for human beings. The toilets are connected to the kitchen and all sorts of things. Moya said there was going to be law and order in Tshwane and that they are going to target 'these buildings with no control or order'. 'Pretoria West is notorious for these,' Moya said. The Tshwane metro has also impounded several vehicles that were found inside this yard. 'The landlords of these illegal buildings take advantage of the fact that the people who are desperate for housing are usually foreigners, a factor found to be at play in this instance,' said the mayor. Other stops during the Ya Tima drive included the Bothongo Plaza, which was the second switch-off operation done at that location. The owners have defaulted and owe the city more than R1.17-million. A building on Francis Baard Street in the CBD was shut off after owing R466 956. This building leases space to various businesses, including a government department. The third property was in Sunnyside, which owes the city R3-million. The fourth stop was in Pretoria West at the Ebbul Foods factory, which owes R445 382. Tshwane Ya Tima also disconnected Daimler Trucks and Buses Southern Africa. The company owes R608 313. The final stop was at Delta Prop Fund, which made good on its promise to immediately pay its outstanding debt of R492 211. Residents and businesses are urged to settle their municipal accounts as soon as possible to avoid disconnection. Watch here: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
‘Illegal and inhumane': Foundation slams Tshwane for cutting power to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital
City of Tshwane's power disconnection raises ethical concerns for Weskoppies Hospital Image: Oupa Mokoena The Edgar Legoale Foundation has issued a strong call for immediate intervention following a controversial decision by the City of Tshwane to disconnect power to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital on May 5, 2025. The move, part of the city's 'Tshwane Ya Tima' campaign aimed at recovering unpaid municipal bills, has sparked outrage and concern over the safety and dignity of vulnerable patients and staff. The disconnection was initiated after the hospital, which owes approximately R1 million in unpaid electricity bills, was targeted by the city's campaign to settle municipal debts. However, the situation is more complex than a simple unpaid bill. According to reports, the disconnection occurred despite ongoing efforts by the Gauteng Department of Health to process the payment. The hospital's debt was not recent, and the actions taken have raised questions about the appropriateness of cutting off essential services to such a critical facility. In a statement issued by Nthabiseng Molejane, Foundation Manager and official spokesperson, the Edgar Legoale Foundation expressed deep concern over the city's decision. 'This action is not only wrong but also against the law,' Molejane said. 'A High Court order from 2023 explicitly states that public hospitals must not lose power because it endangers lives. Cutting electricity to Weskoppies Hospital violates this ruling and undermines patients' rights to health, dignity, and life, as protected by our Constitution. "The hospital had to rely on backup generators to maintain power, which is a temporary measure that is neither safe nor sustainable, particularly for a psychiatric facility caring for some of the most vulnerable members of society,' she said. Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya publicly announced the disconnection on social media, asserting that no institution was exempt from the city's efforts to recover debts. However, the Gauteng Health Department reconnected the electricity yesterday. However, the foundation argued that treating a hospital like any other debtor is both unfair and dangerous. 'Patients at Weskoppies are often unable to advocate for themselves,' said Molejane. 'The stress and chaos caused by losing power could worsen their conditions and place staff under immense pressure.' In response to the incident, the Edgar Legoale Foundation has written to the Public Protector, requesting an urgent investigation into the matter. The foundation's demands include: An official apology to the hospital, its staff, and patients. Reimbursement of any additional costs incurred, such as generator fuel. A revision of the 'Tshwane Ya Tima' campaign rules to explicitly prohibit power cuts to hospitals and other essential services. Holding Mayor Moya and responsible officials accountable for this breach of law and ethics. The foundation also urged the Public Protector to instruct all municipalities across South Africa to adhere strictly to legal protections for essential services. 'This must never happen again, our hospitals, schools, and clinics are vital to our communities and must be protected at all costs.'
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Tshwane mayor faces outrage for Weskoppies Hospital power cut
Mayor Nasiphi Moya sparks backlash after boasting online about cutting power to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital over unpaid bills. The entrance of Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital on May 26, 2014 in Pretoria, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images/Herman Verwey City of Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya has received backlash after bragging on X about cutting power to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital as part of the Tshwane Ya Tima drive to collect outstanding debt. Moya said Weskoppies' power would be restored following Gauteng's health commitment to settle the overdue account. On Monday, the council disconnected electricity supply to Weskoppies hospital due to the Gauteng department of health's failure to settle R1.2 million in overdue electricity charges for March and April. Moya 'brags' about cutting Weskoppies Hospital's power The fourth stop for Tshwane Ya Tima is in the CBD. This facility owes the City of Tshwane R1 million. We've switched them off. We encourage all customers who have outstanding bills with the city to settle them. @CityTshwane — Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) May 5, 2025 'This was not a decision taken lightly,' said Moya. 'We are sensitive to the critical role that hospitals play and deeply respect the work of health care professionals, as well as the duty of care owed to the most vulnerable in our society. 'However, the city has a responsibility to apply its credit control measures fairly and consistently across all customers, including government departments.' ALSO READ: Tshwane mayor under fire for downplaying pothole crisis Moya added: 'I want to assure residents that the hospital's backup power systems remained fully operational during the disconnection and patient care was not compromised. I would not have allowed the disconnection if it had left the facility without power and the subsequent impact on patient care.' Gauteng department of health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said Weskoppies hospital remained fully operational and patient care continued uninterrupted while the electricity supply was being reconnected. 'The department can confirm that the processing of the R1.2 million owed to the City of Tshwane for March and April electricity consumption was underway at the time the municipality effected credit control measures,' he said. R1.2m owed to Tshwane Modiba attributed the delay in payment to transition to the new financial year. DA Gauteng shadow health MEC Jack Bloom said this year there was a power disruption for several weeks because of power cable problems. ALSO READ: Water outages expected in Tshwane as plant shuts down: Here are the affected areas 'Nurses had to use cellphone lights to dispense medicine to patients, who were sometimes violent. The latest power cut at the hospital should have been avoided by mature engagement between the department and the council, instead of patients yet again being victims of inefficiency,' he said. Bloom said they claimed that generators and solar power would enable patient care to continue while the electricity supply was reconnected. uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Gauteng provincial spokesperson Abel Tau condemned the mayor's inhumane public relations stunt and dismal politicking. 'Inhumane PR stunt' – MK Gauteng 'While the hospital is reportedly in arrears with the city, it is unacceptable for patients to suffer due to the Gauteng department of health's administrative failures. The ones most affected are the most vulnerable in our society, mentally ill patients and the medical staff who have to work under compromised conditions,' he said. Political analyst Piet Croucamp said cutting Weskoppies' power was one thing, but bragging about it was another. ALSO READ: Tshwane under pressure as residents complain about water outages, power and potholes 'It was an indication of someone who is out of touch with the realities of the world she lives in. I am sure the hospital, besides the inability to pay their rates and taxes, might have other financial pressures as well,' he said. ActionSA national chair Michael Beaumont said: 'ActionSA notes the public response to these images, but suggests that the anger has been misdirected to the city. Anger at this issue should be directed to the Gauteng provincial department of health, whose inability to pay a budgeted, recurring monthly municipal bill has jeopardised patient care.' Senior political lecturer at North-West University Dr Benjamin Rapanyane said there would never be justification to cut electricity to a hospital.
