Johannesburg residents protested outside the city's customer service centre in Braamfontein on Friday to protest against the billing crisis.
Protesters, led by Democratic Alliance councillor David Dewes, handed over a memorandum of demands to a representative for the city's finance department.
“Political parties are not going to fix the problem. The people of this country will,” shouted Dewes in a voice that could be heard a block away.
“We are tired of politicians pillaging our money.”
He was referring to the over-billing of many Johannesburg residents for rates and utilities, followed by disconnection if the bills are not paid.
The small group of angry Johannesburg residents, unhindered by the rain, danced and sang: “Our brothers are abusing us, come to Soweto.”
Head of the city's financial department, Viki Shupeng, said the city had set up a hotline where residents could register complaints and that the billing crisis would be resolved “soon”. - Sapa