Gauteng metros owed millions as MEC Maile moves to dock officials' salaries

Gauteng Finance MEC Lebohang Maile said that the province's major cities are owed millions in rates and taxes by officials and councillors.

Updating on the province's finances, Maile said councillors in Johannesburg and Tshwane each have outstanding balances on their accounts ranging from R100,000 and above.

The City of Johannesburg is owed R72 million by officials, while Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Emfuleni are owed over R10 million each.

On the other hand, the municipalities are switching off businesses and private households that are in arrears.

Maile said he's written to municipalities and explained some of the action they may have to take against defaulting officials: “One of the things we might have to look at is if the law allows us to dock their salaries, if the law allows will do that or encourage municipalities to do that. We'll have to look at naming and shaming, so municipalities will know who is not paying.”