Nelson Mandela Bay residents have been forced to use alternative communication channels to access municipal services for over two weeks, after the municipality’s telephone lines were suspended on 12 September. The municipality has confirmed that its landline system remains inaccessible to the public, leaving residents without direct phone access to municipal officials since mid-September.
The suspension occurred after MTN allegedly switched off the municipal landline system due to an outstanding debt exceeding R9 million. The municipality states that as a responsible organ of state, it is obliged to manage public resources in strict compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and related regulations, with a due diligence process currently underway to verify the service account in full before payment is processed.
During the extended period without phone access, residents and stakeholders have been encouraged to use several alternative channels to reach municipal services. Digital options include the official website and the municipality’s official mobile app.
Those requiring direct communication can use the Customer Care email at customercare@mandelametro.gov.za, whilst residents preferring face-to-face assistance can visit walk-in Customer Care Centres across the metro or approach Ward Councillor offices for direct community support.
The municipality explains that the verification process ensures it only pays for services legitimately rendered and that every cent of ratepayers’ money is responsibly accounted for. The account will be settled once verification is complete, with the municipality remaining committed to finalising this matter as swiftly as possible whilst upholding principles of sound financial governance.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has stated that it sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused to residents who have been without direct telephone access for over a fortnight, and assures them that restoring full telephone services remains a priority.
