DIRCO’s electricity account is up-to-date
10 February 2022
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has noted with concern the media reports that it, together with Foreign Missions in South Africa and other government departments owe the City of Tshwane billions of rands due to unpaid electricity accounts.
This is despite several attempts by DIRCO to reach out to the City of Tshwane to provide copies of these outstanding invoices seemingly owed by DIRCO as well as by Foreign Missions. The City of Tshwane responded in writing on Monday, 7 February 2022, confirming that the DIRCO accounts to the city are current and up-to-date, with no outstanding payments.
DIRCO has also been liaising with the City of Tshwane continuously to refer any outstanding payments by Foreign Missions to DIRCO to enable DIRCO to engage the Foreign Missions.
In several cases, disputes were lodged but despite the accounts being disputed and proof of payment having been sent to the City of Tshwane, the municipality has nevertheless gone ahead and disconnected power erroneously.