The Umzimvubu Local Municipality has announced the rollout of its Free Basic Services programme for the 2025/2026 financial year, aimed at easing the financial burden on vulnerable families across the municipality.
According to the municipality, the initiative will benefit 2,933 indigent households, offering a package of essential services to improve quality of life and ensure access to dignity for disadvantaged residents.
Under the programme:
- 1,126 households will receive 50 kilowatts of free basic electricity each month.
- 1,780 households will be supplied with 20 litres of paraffin monthly.
- 637 households with solar systems will receive solar maintenance support.
The municipality has allocated a budget of R7.42 million for the programme in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Who Qualifies?
To access the support, households must:
- Have a monthly income below R4,600,
- Reside within the Umzimvubu municipal area,
- Be registered on the municipal indigent database following verification,
- And ensure total household income does not exceed twice the government pension grant threshold.
Mayor’s Statement
Mayor Cllr Zukiswa Ndevu said the programme is part of the municipality’s drive to build an inclusive and caring community.
“We recognise the daily struggles of our most vulnerable residents, and through the Free Basic Services programme, we aim to restore dignity and improve quality of life. No household should be left behind in our journey towards sustainable development,” she said.
The mayor also urged all eligible households to register and take advantage of the programme.
