Shiceka ‘victim of service billing’

Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Sicelo Shiceka. Photo: Dumisani Sibeko

Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Sicelo Shiceka. Photo: Dumisani Sibeko

Published Feb 7, 2011

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Co-operative Governance Minister Sicelo Shiceka owes the Johannesburg municipality almost R35 000, but it is unclear whether his water and electricity were cut off, Beeld newspaper reported on Monday.

“The minister would like to pay his service bill, but he will not pay thousands of rands for something that is inexplicable,” Shiceka's spokeswoman Vuyelwa Vika said on Sunday.

She however did not know what the situation at the minister's private residence in Midrand was. The minister was also a victim of the municipality's “chaotic” accounting system, Vika said.

Beeld reported that Shiceka's first enquiry into the bill was in 2008, and over the last three years he had heard nothing from the municipality.

“He only stayed at his home two days a week at that stage, but received bills that the municipality itself could not explain. He thought someone was using his power illegally.”

He had since moved to a ministerial home in Pretoria.

“His house in Midrand is empty, but the bill gets ever higher. He wants an answer before he pays,” Vika said.

Beeld reported that Shiceka did not answer his phone. Johannesburg municipal spokesman Kgamanyane Maphologela, Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo and the Gauteng premier's office could also not provide clarity on the matter. - Sapa

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