Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Communities may be punished for Nala Municipality's R1.2 billion debt

AfriForum believes that residents of the Nala Local Municipality should not be punished as a result of the municipality’s Eskom debt. This debt currently amounts to more than R1.2 billion and is the reason for Eskom’s public notice that power supply to the Nala Municipality may be interrupted or reduced due to this outstanding debt. The organisation has written to the municipality demanding answers on how it intends to settle this debt.

According to Alta Pretorius, AfriForum’s district coordinator for the Mooi River, the Nala Municipality’s financial mismanagement now poses a direct danger to residents and businesses who faithfully pay their electricity bills. Pretorius believes that this is also further proof of the Nala Municipality’s ongoing failure to meet its constitutional and statutory obligations.

Section 152 of the Constitution states that municipalities must provide basic services to communities in a sustainable manner and promote a safe and healthy environment. Electricity provision is an important municipal service that promotes human dignity, economic participation, healthcare, and public safety. The Nala Municipality’s mismanagement and failure to pay its debts threatens this responsibility.

In addition, the Municipal Financial Management Act 56 of 2003 makes it clear that municipal leadership is obliged to ensure sound financial management, promote transparency, and apply rigorous planning to improve service delivery.

In its letter to the municipality, AfriForum urges:

a full explanation of how the debt to Eskom accumulated;
a credible and feasible repayment plan;
the assurance that residents who faithfully pay their municipal bills will be protected; and
an indication of what steps are being taken to prevent further debt.

“Our communities must not be held hostage as a result of the municipality’s poor governance. At AfriForum, we will do everything in our power to ensure that residents’ rights are protected and that the municipality is held accountable,” concludes Pretorius. AfriForum gives the Nala Municipality until 16 March 2026 to respond to their letter.