The Phokwane Local Municipality settled the civil rights organisation AfriForum’s legal costs in the amount of R265 000 as ordered by the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley in 2016. AfriForum on 8 February 2017 instructed its legal team to issue and execute a warrant for execution of the recovery of these costs.
This follows after AfriForum obtained a cost order against the Municipality in a court case that compelled the it to rectify unlawful electricity tariffs. Even though these tariffs can only be fixed by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), it seems as though municipal officials are not abiding by this rule.
“The Municipality was recently placed under new management. We already held a meeting with Ms Mogale, Municipal Manager, and it was positive in nature. The fact that she views the matter as urgent creates a good impression of her,” says Theo Joubert, Chairperson of the AfriForum branch in Vaalharts.
“We are grateful that the matter has continually progressed and we are quite positive with regards to future cooperation with the Municipality,” says Linja van Wyk, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Northern Cape.
Support AfriForum’s legal battle: SMS “Lasbrief” to 32532 (R1).