Revenue collection under threat amid critical security shortages

Msunduzi municipal officials carrying out revenue collection under Operation Qoqimali are operating without adequate protection, with the City conceding that critical security planning is missing and current capacity is too weak to support enforcement in high-risk areas. Speaking at a recent executive committee meeting, the City’s chief financial officer Nelisiwe Ngcobo warned that inadequate security capacity is undermining the rollout of the programme, particularly during disconnection operations in high-risk communities such as Imbali. Ngcobo said the shortage of security personnel has made it difficult for finance teams to operate safely.

The situation is further complicated by the absence of a formal operational plan required by the South African Police Service to co-ordinate support. I have asked our security unit for this operational plan and it was not available. That is the challenge we are facing, but they have assured us that they are working on it.

We must ensure the safety and security of our members, which is why collaboration with the police is critical. A report tabled at the meeting revealed that the City has just one inspector and 12 security officers available to support multiple departments — a shortfall that has placed significant strain on enforcement efforts, particularly in areas regarded as volatile where officials face potential hostility. While departments can request security support and alert nearby police stations ahead of planned actions, officials said the system is inadequate and requires urgent strengthening.

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Operation Qoqimali, led by the City’s finance department, targets unpaid municipal revenue through disconnections and enforcement of billing compliance. The campaign has been active in areas including Scottsville, where services have been cut to defaulting properties.

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