if the city council does not act now and decide to grow some back bone they'll only get themselves into greater dept. Instead of growing the ecconomy they will only land up borrowing money, dropping the value of the rand. here we are preparing for the 2010 world cup and the sowetans aren't doing there part! what is this saying about S.A.???

I fail to understand why everyone shouts racism? Its easy, you either pay or you don't pay, you comply or you don't comply. It has nothing to do with your race. It is that simple. You don't pay, the city cuts your supply until you pay, that is how any capitalistic economy works. When I was late in paying my account last month, they just cut and refused to connnect until my account was up to date. Why should it be any different for depending on your race!

You know, if the rubbish that is written below is the sentiment across the country, then this country is f***ed... So much bigotry and "us & them" mentality. Such stupid and selfish comments... You're all a bunch of self centred, thoughtless morons!!! Get a heart and sapre a thought for fellow citizens at least...

South Africa becomes entrenched in racism.This is a class issue that speaks to affordability and inefficiency on the part of the local state. Let us focus on solutions. The reality is that current councillors are inept and cannot run municipalities. Let us teach South Africans to use their vote properly to deal with this politically exhausted leadership

If this double standard is not racism and political favouritism, what is it?

What really gets to me is that this government says that it will not tolerate farmers who extract water "illegally" to irrigate crops that feed the nation but to certain demographic groups everything is free; water, electricity and soon it will be health insurance two.

Our water supplies are dwindling and it comes as no surprise. Driving through Guguletu, a black township in Cape Town, I see streams of water flow down the streets because the residents stole the tap. I have no doubt that it is the same in all other townships. Residents in these communities have no sense of ownership, no sense of responsibility, no sense of pride.

I don’t even want to get started on the electricity issue. If NERSA forced municipalities to cut illegal power lines, this country will have plenty of surplus power for future development

The ANC knows that if they implemented fair governance they would never win another election.

It is blatant discrimination in favor of black communities.

Now I ask you, who is really underprivileged?

To Marvin:

It is not about affordability, electricity and running water is not a right. Walk down to the river and fetch water like it has been done for hundreds of years! That will teach you not to defecate and pollute the river that stills your thirst. If you cannot afford to pay for the service of bringing water to your home, you should not have water brought to your home. END OF STORY!

Usable electricity is not a right. Scientific processes are implemented and used to create electricity. If you cannot afford to buy your way into these processes you should not be allowed to use it. Go collect wood to cook your food on like it has been done for hundreds of years. Alternatively, if you want free electricity, put a lightning rod on your roof and see how far you will get.

If you can’t afford it you should not have it!

Do you think pick n pay in Soweto will give food away for free? NO! Get your mind right!

So typical, I guess white man must supposedly pay for their free water and electricity because the government promised it for free. And the people of Soweto will be the first to cry foul, when there is no equality, but where is the equality if whites, coloureds, and Indians must always pay and the blacks get it for free, and don't pay!!!!

Again-typical behaviour from our local municipality. If you are living in the northern suburbs and default on your payments-instant cut-off. However those living Soweto get free water and electricity- what a bonus. Perhaps I'll rent a shack and live there for free too. No doubt it's payback for apartheid- despite the fact that all whites paid for water and electricity back then too. Call me racist if you want- since most people in SA are concerned with keeping up the race wars.

ITHEMBA TRUST (FLATS AROUND BEREA IN TUDHOPE AND ALEXANRDA STREETS), THOUGH GIVEN SUBSIDY FROM THE GOVERMENT MAKE PROFIT ON ELECTRICITY AND WATER. TENANTS PAY AROUND +/-600 RAND FOR ELECTRICITY AND 210 RAND (A FIXED MONTHLY WATER RATES). IS AMAZING AS MOST OF THOSE TENANTS ARE THE ONES WHO VOTED AND PUT THE GOVERMENT WE HAVE FOR BETTER SERVICE DELIVERY. MY SALARY IS R5 000.00 AND PAY RENT R3 130 RESPECTIVELY.