MORE THAN 5000 RESIDENTS ENJOY FREE BASIC SERVICES IN KWABHACA AND EMAXESIBENI
In an effort to promote access to Free Basic Services (FBS), Umzimvubu Local Municipality has spent
more than R 700 000 on residents and households in KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni. The provision of
FBS is in accordance to Chapter 9, Section 97 of the Local Government Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32
of 2000), which stipulates the provision of indigent debtors should be consistent with its rates, tariff
policies and any national policy on indigents must be included in the credit policy.
“Free Basic Services are Municipal services provided at no charge by the Government to the
registered indigents within Municipal boundaries. Umzimvubu Local Municipality prides itself for being
consistent with this initiative and commits to identify more indigent households. This programme has
really positioned our rural communities to be in a place of privilege”, said Umzimvubu Mayor, Cllr
Zukiswa Ndevu.
The annual initiative includes free electricity which amounts to 50 kWh per household and 20 litres of
paraffin. The use of equitable share provided the National Treasury intends to subsidize the FBS
initiative at Municipal Level. This allocation however differs from one Municipality to another. It
depends entirely on the population of the municipality. The higher the population, the higher the
equitable share received. Communities are encouraged to apply by filling application forms at the
Municipality before they are verified for indigent status.
-EndsFor any enquiries or more information kindly contact:
Mrs Nokhanyo Zembe
Senior Manager: Communications and SPU
Umzimvubu Local Municipality
Zembe.Nokhanyo@umzimvubu.gov.za
039 255 8508/ 072 091 3952