- The Reef Hotel's lights have been switched off due to an unpaid electricity bill of R1.3 million, and they won't be back on until the debt is settled.
- Following a court order from the South Gauteng High Court, the hotel is now required to clear its outstanding bill with City Power.
- South Africans are applauding the firm stance taken by City Power, seeing it as a sign of accountability in governance.
Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned journalist with Briefly News, brings over three years of experience covering police investigations, high-stakes shootouts, and compelling court cases from his time at Daily Sun.
JOHANNESBURG — Picture this: one of Johannesburg’s iconic hotels sitting in darkness, all because it hasn’t paid its electricity bill. That’s exactly what’s happening with the Reef Hotel. Until they fork over R1.3 million, the lights are staying off, and residents seem to be cheering for it.
Reef Hotel Faces Court Order to Settle Debt
According to a report by IOL, the South Gauteng High Court has stepped in to demand that the Reef Hotel settle its massive electricity bill. The hotel owes City Power a staggering R4.1 million, but the court specifically ordered them to pay R1.3 million immediately. This move came after the hotel asked the court to restore their power, hoping to negotiate terms. But the court wasn’t having it—not this time.
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The power was cut on September 12, a move that City Power made to ensure they weren’t losing out on revenue. Isaac Mangena, a spokesperson for City Power, explained that the hotel had been in talks with them since January. Back then, the bill was already at R3.2 million. They were advised to pay half of it right away, and they even asked for a three-month grace period. But when the hotel failed to follow through with any payments, City Power had no choice but to cut off their power. It’s a tough call, but it’s one that’s resonating with many South Africans.
Public Reaction: A Mix of Applause and Criticism
On social media, especially Facebook, the move by City Power has sparked a lively debate. Many users have expressed their approval, praising the utility company for its firm stance against non-paying customers. Others, however, have raised questions about why businesses are allowed to accumulate such large debts before action is taken, pointing out that ordinary citizens often face immediate disconnection for just one missed payment.
Wayne Mills voiced a common concern: "I’d love to understand why businesses are given so much leeway to build up these massive outstanding debts before anyone steps in to demand payment. Regular folks like me get cut off the moment we miss a payment. It doesn’t seem fair."
Phillip Molefi Gwangwa added his support: "Big up to City Power for finally cracking down on these deadbeat clients. Since they’ve started enforcing payment, I’ve noticed positive changes across the country. This is progress."
Colin Bridger kept it simple: "Good job. Keep pushing forward and don’t let up now." Meanwhile, Nthebe Mozhina highlighted the frustration felt by those who pay their bills on time: "There are people out there trying to use electricity for free while the rest of us pay every single month. That’s not okay."
Mokwala Mokwala Snr celebrated the government’s role in all this: "Congratulations to the GNU for supporting measures that ensure accountability and fairness in utility payments."
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Residents Voice Concern Over Electricity Price Hikes
While the Reef Hotel’s predicament has grabbed headlines, another issue related to electricity has residents fuming. In a separate report by Briefly News, Johannesburg citizens have been vocal about the recent electricity price hikes implemented by City Power in July. With a 12.72% increase, many are struggling to figure out how they’ll manage to pay their bills.
It’s clear that electricity remains a hot-button issue in South Africa. While some applaud City Power’s efforts to hold large businesses accountable, others worry about the financial strain placed on ordinary households. As the debate continues, one thing is certain: both sides agree that finding a sustainable solution is more important than ever.
