Tshwane municipal manager Mmaseabata Mutlaneng, who is leading the campaign to disconnect non-paying customers, has recovered R200 million in four days.
Mutlaneng said the money was mainly from business, the government and embassies for unpaid municipal services.
She said the campaign was necessary as the city’s credit controllers were often intimidated and threatened by non paying clients.
Last week, Mutlaneng changed her office wear for casual clothes as she and mayor Randall Williams were accompanied by the Tshwane Metro Police Department as they switched off several government departments and large businesses, including the Sheraton Hotel, just opposite the Union Buildings.
According to the municipality, government departments and embassies owe more than R1.3bn. Homeowners owe about R8bn while businesses owe more than R5bn.
