Government switches off electricity at Weskoppies Mental Hospital

The City of Tshwane on Monday switched off electricity at the Weskoppies Mental Hospital due to an unpaid debt. The Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and some officials embarked on the Tshwane Ya Tima switching off electricity at departments and private businesses that owe them.

Some of the institutions that switched off electricity include King Pie in the CBD, which owes the city R868,000. Phelindaba Breweries in Atteridgeville, which owes the City R2 million, was also affected.

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Glen Afric Country Lodge in Hartbeespoort, which owes the City over R13 million, was also affected. But there was a huge reaction after the City of Tshwane switched off electricity at the Weskoppies mental hospital, which owed R1.2 million.

“The fourth stop for Tshwane Ya Tima is in the CBD. This facility owes the City of Tshwane R1 million. We’ve switched them off.

We encourage all customers who have outstanding bills with the city to settle them,” Mayor Dr Moya announced on X [formerly Twitter].

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But five hours later, the Gauteng Department of Health issued a statement acknowledging their debt and also confirming that they had settled the outstanding money.

“We can confirm that the processing of the R1.2 million owed to the City of Tshwane for March and April electricity consumption was already underway at the time the municipality effected credit control and disconnected Weskoppies Hospital on Monday, 05 May 2025,” the department said.

“The delay in payment is attributed to the transition to the new financial year. The hospital normally makes additional payments to ensure continuous electricity supply, however, this time around it could not do so. The owed amount is currently being processed for payment.

“We’re currently engaging with the City of Tshwane as we maintain our commitment to settle our municipal accounts.”