ADeC Party

05/09/2026

The Municipal Debt Write-Off and Indigent Support Programme was introduced in 2001. For over two decades, while qualifying residents in ANC-run wards enjoyed these benefits, the Democratic Alliance and its ward councillors failed to ensure that qualifying residents in DA-controlled wards were placed on the same programme.

Qualifying residents in ANC-run wards enjoyed:

* 6,000 litres of free water every month
* 65 kWh of free electricity every month
* Rates exemptions
* Free DSW and sewage services
* Municipal debt write-offs

Meanwhile, thousands of struggling residents in Chatsworth, Phoenix, Merebank, Isipingo, Wentworth, Newlands East, Newlands West, Overport, Durban Central, Welbedacht, Mobeni, Savannah Park, Umhlatuzana, Hillary and many other communities were left behind.

The same municipality. The same programme. The same qualifying criteria—but completely different treatment!

The DA cannot claim ignorance about a municipal programme that has existed since 2001. Its councillors were elected, paid and entrusted to understand municipal policies and ensure that qualifying residents received the assistance available to them.

Yet pensioners, unemployed residents and vulnerable families in DA-run wards were allowed to fall deeper into debt. Some endured years without electricity or water. Others were pushed into unaffordable payment arrangements instead of being informed about the relief for which they may have qualified.

The programme existed. The benefits existed. Residents in ANC-run wards received them. Yet the DA failed to secure the same assistance for our communities!

Where was the DA when pensioners were sitting in darkness?
Where was the DA when families had no running water?
Where was the DA when residents were drowning in municipal debt?
Why did it take ADeC to reveal a programme available since 2001?

This was not a minor oversight. It was a disgraceful failure of leadership and a betrayal of the communities that trusted the DA.

Our people did not fail the system—the DA failed our people!

This is not about politics—this is about poverty!

One people. Equal rights. No one left behind.

Cllr Nathaniel Patchapen
ADeC Party Leader

04/09/2026

20/08/2026

Your ward councillors have failed you. You know who they are! It’s time for real change. Vote ADeC—the people’s advocate
Cllr Nathaniel Patchapen

20/08/2026

ADeC IS COMING TO TONGAAT AND OTTAWA!

Join us at our community meetings, where we will explain the various municipal debt write-off programmes available to qualifying residents, including:

✅ Municipal debt write-offs
✅ 65 kWh of free electricity every month
✅ 6,000 litres of free water every month
✅ Municipal rates exemption
✅ Other support available to qualifying households

Come and find out what assistance you may qualify for.

ADeC – The People’s Advocate
Led by Cllr Nathaniel Patchapen
Contact us on :

Office (1) 070 511 7950
Office (2) 061 957 2011
Office (3) 070 382 9185

18/08/2026

22/07/2026

THOUSANDS OF ETHEKWINI FAMILIES QUALIFY FOR FREE SERVICES AND FULL DEBT WRITE-OFF — BUT NOBODY TOLD THEM

African Democratic Change (ADeC) leader and eThekwini Municipality councillor Nathaniel Patchapen has launched a debt relief awareness campaign to inform financially struggling residents about municipal relief they already qualify for — but don't know exists.

Patchapen says many eThekwini residents owe the city large amounts in rates and utility bills, yet qualify for a total exemption because of their indigent status.

He blamed ward councillors for failing to inform communities. "Thousands of struggling families across eThekwini may qualify for municipal debt relief and free basic services without ever knowing that these existing municipal relief policies are available," he said.

WHO QUALIFIES?

Under the city's indigent policy, a property with a market value of R750,000 or less and a total household income below R7,000 per month qualifies for a full exemption from paying rates.

Qualifying residents can receive a once-off 100% write-off of all outstanding municipal debt, 65 kWh of free basic electricity every month, 6,000 litres of free basic water every month, and full exemption from sewage and refuse collection charges.

Patchapen said he regularly meets pensioners, grandparents raising grandchildren, and mothers losing sleep over municipal bills. "Our people are crying. The poor are getting poorer, yet councillors are mainly concerned about potholes and other problems that are not essential," he said.

He dismissed suggestions that the campaign is election-driven, saying he will work with volunteers across eThekwini — regardless of political affiliation — to conduct door-to-door registrations and help residents apply for free.

💬 If you live in eThekwini, did you know about this debt relief — and has your ward councillor ever told you about it?

21/07/2026

Struggling to pay your municipal bills? You’re NOT alone. Many residents in our communities qualify for a 100% WRITE OFF on arrears and FREE basic lights, water & rates — and they don’t even know it!ADeC is here to help you understand your rights and get the relief you deserve.COME TO OUR COMMUNITY MEETINGS to find out if you qualify and get free guidance on the process:📍 PHOENIX - Redfern Hall | 26/07/2026 | 15:00 - 17:00
📍 CHATSWORTH - Montford Community Hall | 01/08/2026 | 14:00 - 16:00
📍 SHALLCROSS - Shallcross Community Hall | 07/08/2026 | 14:00 - 16:00
📍 WENTWORTH - Austerville Community Hall | 15/08/2026 | 13:00 - 15:00
📍 ISIPINGO - Lotus Park Community Hall | 23/08/2026 | 14:00 - 17:00A better tomorrow starts with relief TODAY.
Need help now? Call the ADeC Support Centre: 070 511 7950 / 070 382 9185

16/11/2024

ADeC wishes peace and unity to all our South African Indians.
#1860 #

14/11/2024

Dear Residents

➡️ How to check your meter:

Customers should enter 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416. Should this number not work, please punch in the below unique numbers according to the make of your meter.

L&G (E460) – i057 enter
L&G (PLC2) – i057
Conlog – #005 #
Voltex – 005 enter
Nyamezela – Press red and hold until the display dots then type 005 enter.

'Zingoni explained that if the meter displays 2, the meter has been recoded and customers may continue to buy tokens.

However, if the meter displays 1, customers need to update their details through Alfred, the Eskom Chatbot, at www.alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom/ by simply selecting ‘Update my details’ and completing the fields displayed.'

Eskom KZN reminds prepaid electricity customers to recode their meters by November 24 to ensure uninterrupted service.

Full story: https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/eskom-urges-

Local Government Political Party In eThekwini Municipality

13/11/2024