Mazisi Kunene’s Widow Challenges eThekwini Municipality Over R1 Million Electricity Billing Dispute

The eThekwini Municipality is demanding more than R1 million in electricity charges from Mathabo Kunene, the 86-year-old widow of acclaimed South African poet and literary icon Mazisi Kunene — a claim she insists has no basis.

Kunene says the municipality first billed her R347,000 for electricity at the Mazisi Kunene Museum in Glenwood, despite the property no longer being a residence and operating solely as a museum.

In an effort to prevent the museum from being shut down, Kunene paid R250,000 upfront while disputing the charge. She says she was later stunned to receive a further claim of R795,000 for electricity at her personal home in Morningside.

eThekwini Billing Disputes Spark Wider Public Concern

The case unfolds against growing frustration among eThekwini residents, many of whom have raised alarms over what they describe as erratic and inflated municipal billing.

Ratepayers across the city report utility charges they say bear little relation to actual usage, with disputes often dragging on unresolved. Councillors and community leaders have also voiced concerns over the municipality’s billing system.

“This is harassment,” Kunene said. “If I had used electricity worth R795,000, it would light up the whole of KwaMashu. We are being unfairly targeted,”.

Kunene says she has been making monthly payments of around R26, 6950 at her personal residence in an attempt to manage the growing debt while still contesting the museum charges.

“When I show them that this thing of paying R26, 6950 is killing me financially. I can show you right now. We are still going to investigate, so we will investigate but in the meantime, the debit goes through.” Kunene said.

Mazisi Kunene Museum and Cultural Legacy at Risk

The Glenwood property, once the home of Mazisi Kunene and now a museum, plays a key role in preserving his literary legacy and regularly attracts students and international visitors.

Kunene’s late husband, South Africa’s Poet Laureate, authored celebrated works such as Emperor Shaka the Great and Anthem of the Decades, which have been translated and recognised worldwide for their contribution to African literature.

Despite the site’s cultural value, Kunene says she has faced intimidation from municipal officials. Contractors allegedly jumped fences and forced entry in attempts to disconnect electricity.

“This place will never shut down. It belongs to South Africa. But what angers me is how the eThekwini municipality can treat citizens, especially the elderly, with such disrespect,” she said.

eThekwini Municipality Responds to Billing Allegations

Responding to questions from IOL, eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Deputy Director, Gugu Sisilana, denied any systemic problems.

“There is no billing system issue within eThekwini Municipality, and the City does not discuss individual customer account details with third parties. The matter relating to the account in question has been ongoing for several years,” Sisilana said.

She added: “The customer has been consistently informed of the steps required to resolve the issue and settle the account – a process that cannot be concluded through a media enquiry”.

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Sisilana further advised that “Customers who require further clarity regarding their Municipal bills are encouraged to visit the City’s Revenue Services Directorate or their nearest Sizakala Centre”.

“Furthermore, customers are advised to bring any relevant supporting documents to assist in resolving their queries.”