Katlego Sekhu
Mayor Nasiphi Moya has emphasised the importance of consistent revenue collection to address the city’s ongoing financial distress while calling for fairness in applying credit control measures.
Although Weskoppies Hospital had backup power, concerns have been raised about the impact of the power outage on patient care.
The move came after the Gauteng Department of Health committed to settling its overdue R1.2 million electricity bill.
On Monday, 5 May 2025, the city disconnected the hospital’s electricity supply due to the Department’s failure to pay outstanding charges for March and April.
In response to the disconnection, the Department has since pledged to settle the debt, prompting the City to proceed with reconnection.
“This was not a decision taken lightly,” said Mayor Moya. “We understand the critical role hospitals play and deeply respect healthcare professionals and the duty of care owed to our most vulnerable. However, the City must enforce credit control measures fairly and consistently, even when dealing with government departments.”
She reassured residents that the hospital’s backup power systems remained fully functional during the outage, and that patient care was not compromised.
“This was confirmed by the Department of Health in its public statement. I would not have allowed the disconnection if it had endangered patients,” she added.
The Mayor also clarified that the City acted only after exhausting other options. “In good faith, we agreed not to proceed with disconnection at the end of the Department’s financial year in March, based on their assurance that payment would be made in early April. Despite several follow-ups, no payment was received, leaving us with no alternative but to act.”
Government departments currently owe the City of Tshwane more than R1.6 billion in unpaid service fees.
Did Mayor Moya make the right decision by disconnecting electricity at a health facility? Is the public backlash justified? These questions were being debated on Siz The World after the City of Tshwane restored power to Weskoppies specialised psychiatric hospital on Tuesday.
Weskoppies Hospital power to be restored following Gauteng health commitment to settle overdue account.
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) May 6, 2025
Government departments currently owe the City more than R1.6 billion for services rendered. The City is beginning a recovery from a long period of financial distress, and our… pic.twitter.com/Wikf1eawi7
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