KwaZulu-Natal
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has moved to clarify widespread reports that lights have been switched off at several government offices, saying misconceptions about its responsibilities and long-standing municipal disputes have fueled confusion.
In a statement issued on Friday, 5 December 2025, the department said it had “noted several media reports and queries” about power interruptions affecting various provincial departments. It stressed that while it manages government properties, it does not pay for water and electricity consumed by individual departments.
The department serves as custodian of 10 067 provincial properties across 54 municipalities, covering buildings that house multiple government departments. It confirmed that it is responsible for paying municipal rates on these properties — an obligation that has become increasingly difficult to meet.
According to the department, its annual rates bill stands at R1.8 billion, yet it receives only about R900 million from the provincial Treasury to meet these costs. “This means we start each financial year with a significant deficit,” the department said.
Much of the current rates debt dates back over 20 years, and the department maintains it is committed to settling the outstanding amounts. However, it accused several municipalities of failing to engage constructively and, in some cases, “moving the goalposts” during negotiations.
One of the most strained relationships is with the eThekwini Municipality, to which the department owes approximately R500 million. Attempts to secure a formal sit-down to address the issue have yielded “no real success,” the statement said.
The department also raised alarm over what it described as inflated municipal rates, in some cases by as much as 40%, as verified by independent evaluators. In addition, it highlighted growing concerns about municipalities charging schools for rates — a burden currently amounting to R252 million across KZN. The department warned that this could have a direct impact on the constitutional right to basic education.
Amid escalating tensions, KZN Public Works has approached the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to declare an intergovernmental dispute, hoping that mediation will break the deadlock.
While reaffirming its commitment to paying outstanding rates, the department emphasised that it is not responsible for utility bills such as water and electricity — costs that fall directly under the individual departments occupying the buildings.
KZN Public Works expressed optimism that, with COGTA’s intervention, a sustainable solution can be reached. “We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the people of this province have uninterrupted access to the government services they are entitled to,” the statement said.
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