​The City of Johannesburg is forcing the hand of government departments to pay up their outstanding municipal bills by cutting off either their water or electricity supply in a high-stake bid to clawback R1.4 billion. On Friday, 27 March 2026, the City embarked on a large-scale disconnection operation mainly in the Johannesburg CBD, which targeted government departments.

The operation comprised the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Group Finance Revenue officials, City Power, and Johannes​burg Water.

The City's disconnection drive hit the Gauteng Provincial Government's Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs building on Simmonds Street by removing a water meter. It owes the City more than R677 000.

The City's disconnection operation swiftly moved to Commissioner Street where electricity supply to a building housing the Gauteng Department of Health and other provincial departments was cut. The Department of Health has accrued a combined municipal debt exceeding R200 million for all its municipal accounts.

Acting Group Head of the Revenue Shared Services Centre Lufuno Mashau said the municipality has exhausted its patience with government departments and entities failing to settle their accounts.

“The City cannot continue to supply services to government departments and entities for extended periods without receiving payment. Service delivery depends on revenue collection," said Mashau.

Mashau vowed that no services will be reconnected to affected government buildings unless payment arrangements are made and a portion of the outstanding debt is settled.

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