13/09/2026
Very good summary on what to check on your municipal bill. I cant but help wonder if the water fees maruleng is implementing is actually paid across to Mopani? Are we in areas or are we catching up for money the muncipality “lost” and never paid across? Or is it we funding an upgrade water system we dont actually have?
RATEPAYERS: CHECK YOUR LATEST MARULENG MUNICIPAL ACCOUNT
Have you checked your latest municipal bill?
The HCRPA has received numerous complaints from ratepayers regarding apparent billing errors, substantial increases in water charges and new sewerage charges following the introduction of a new billing and tariff structure.
We strongly encourage all Hoedspruit residents and property owners to check their latest accounts carefully.
💧 WATER CHARGES – WHAT HAS CHANGED?
Indications are that residents on Hoedspruit’s wildlife estates could face increases of approximately 108% in their overall water bills, depending on consumption and the accounts being compared.
One significant change appears to be the introduction of a R125 basic water charge per stand, compared with the previous R11.20 charge – an increase of approximately 1,016% in the basic charge itself.
This raises an important question for wildlife estates.
Most estates do not have individual municipal water connections to every stand. Instead, the estate receives municipal water through a single bulk connection.
So why is a basic water charge apparently being levied on individual stands?
The HCRPA is seeking clarity on the legal and tariff authority for this charge and how the Municipality distinguishes between bulk and individual water connections.
🚽 NEW SEWERAGE CHARGE
A new R135.45 domestic sewerage charge has also reportedly appeared on some town residents’ accounts.
If this appears on your account, check whether:
• It applies to your property
• It has been correctly calculated
• It forms part of the approved tariff schedule
• The Municipality has adequately explained its introduction
🧮 CHECK THE NUMBERS TOO
We have also received reports of apparent arithmetic errors on municipal accounts.
Please check:
✓ Water consumption and meter readings
✓ Water tariffs and basic charges
✓ Sewerage charges
✓ VAT calculations
✓ Opening balances
✓ The property and billing period
✓ The final amount due
Do not automatically assume that the amount reflected as “Total Due” is correct.
❓ WHO AUTHORISED THESE CHANGES?
Maruleng Local Municipality staff have reportedly advised some ratepayers that the tariff and billing changes were imposed by Mopani District Municipality.
The HCRPA believes ratepayers are entitled to a clear explanation.
Who approved the changes? What tariff resolution authorises them? What public consultation took place? And why are individual stand charges apparently being applied where estates are supplied through bulk connections?
The HCRPA is investigating whether the new water and sewerage tariffs and billing structures were introduced in accordance with the required legislative, Council approval and public participation processes.
📊 ANOTHER IMPORTANT QUESTION
Our review of the 2026/27 Maruleng Municipal Budget Schedule A has not identified recorded expenditure allocated specifically to water, bulk water, sewerage, sanitation or wastewater management.
Nor have we identified a clear indication in the budget of the water and sanitation tariff or billing changes now appearing on residents’ accounts.
This requires proper explanation.
📌 WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?
1. Check your latest account carefully.
2. Compare it with previous accounts.
3. Keep copies of your accounts.
4. Query discrepancies in writing with Maruleng Local Municipality and request a written response.
5. If necessary, ask for the documentation authorising the charges, including the approved 2026/27 water and sanitation tariff schedule and the basis for the R125 basic water charge and R135.45 sewerage charge.
🌿 FAIR BILLING. CLEAR ANSWERS. ACCOUNTABILITY.
The HCRPA supports fair, lawful and transparent municipal billing.
Ratepayers should not, however, be expected to accept unexplained tariff increases, incorrect billing or new charges without proper authority and accountability.
Please check your account. Query discrepancies. Keep records.
If you would like to support the Association’s efforts or become a member, please contact us at [email protected].
Together, we continue to work for a sustainable, accountable and well-managed Hoedspruit.
