The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decision by the uMngeni Local Municipality to lodge an application with the High Court regarding the ongoing electricity supply dispute affecting residents and businesses in Hilton.
The DA fully supports uMngeni Municipality’s efforts to seek legal clarity on the role played by the Msunduzi Local Municipality in supplying electricity to Hilton. As confirmed by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), Msunduzi does not hold a valid electricity distribution licence for this area. This raises serious concerns about regulatory compliance and accountability.
This decisive step reflects the municipality’s commitment to protecting the rights of its residents and ensuring that electricity supply is lawful, transparent, and properly regulated. For far too long, the people of Hilton have experienced uncertainty, outages, and poor communication around electricity supply.
After years of engagement, research, and attempts to resolve the matter through intergovernmental processes, approaching the courts is a responsible and necessary step. Residents and businesses deserve certainty, reliable services, and governance that operates fully within the law.
The DA commends the leadership of uMngeni Municipality, under Mayor Chris Pappas, for standing firm in defence of the community and for taking proactive steps to resolve a long-standing issue that has affected the quality of life and economic activity in Hilton.
This action demonstrates the DA’s commitment to clean governance, lawful administration, and putting residents first. We will continue to support all efforts that strengthen accountability and improve service delivery for communities.
The DA will monitor the progress of the case closely and remains hopeful that the court process will bring the clarity and relief that Hilton residents have long deserved.