The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) stated that the 80/20 debt agreement introduced in May 2022 was a clear violation of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

The ERPM was responding to the eThekwini Municipality’s announcement on Thursday that the 80/20 prepaid electricity debt relief programme has been suspended with immediate effect.

Asad Gaffar, the chairperson of ERPM, described it as a devastating blow to the many families who are struggling to survive the municipality’s rigorous credit control measures.

This decision to suspend the programme follows a review conducted by the city’s Energy Management Directorate together with the Finance Department.