Windhoek municipality turns away ratepayers
... amid RedForce contract expiry dispute
A representative for Windhoek ratepayers has claimed that the City's contract with RedForce expired on 21 November and urged ratepayers to cease engaging with the debt collection agency.
A contentious dispute has arisen between the City of Windhoek (CoW) and ratepayers, businesses and residents over the municipality's debt collection practices, particularly the involvement of RedForce Debt Management.The City's management yesterday turned away over 100 account holders for allegedly showing up as a group and representing a "mass mobilisation".
Ratepayer representative Shaun Gariseb has accused city officials of mismanagement, alleging their contract with RedForce expired on 21 November and urging ratepayers to cease engaging with the debt collection agency.
According to Gariseb, ratepayers attempted to resolve outstanding payments and make new arrangements directly with the City but were met with resistance and confusion.
He claimed that officials, including Fillomina Mosimane, head of debt management, and Harold Akwenye, the City’s public relations officer, attempted to validate RedForce's continued involvement by showing a WhatsApp message rather than formal documentation.
“We have no legal obligation to RedForce. Even if we are in debt, we do not owe them anything. Ratepayers must demand clarity when making arrangements, as the contract with Redforce is not binding,” Gariseb argued.
Legal action
Gariseb said legal proceedings have been initiated, with a court hearing scheduled for 28 November.
He emphasised that RedForce should refrain from contacting ratepayers until formal resolutions, contracts and reports are produced and the matter is resolved in court.
In addition, Gariseb said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating the RedForce contract, further complicating the situation.
The statement also encouraged residents to scrutinise payment arrangements and demand transparency from the City.
“We urge ratepayers to desist from dealing with RedForce and ensure that any payments made to the municipality are not subject to a 20% deduction linked to RedForce,” Gariseb advised.
In a letter sent by the CoW via WhatsApp to Gariseb, City of Windhoek CEO, Moses Matyayi, said the matter has been handed over to relevant authorities where the community can search for answers. "Please be advised that your matter regarding RedForce is currently sub judice, as it has been escalated to both the Ombudsman and the Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation.”
Matyayi’s message added: “Additionally, you have initiated legal proceedings to interdict the Council. It is important to note that the debt management division (department of finance and customer service) provides services related to individual debt enquiries and does not handle contract matters.”
The note added that the “council will not engage in any discussions regarding the terms of the RedForce contract without their consent. Such contracts cannot be discussed publicly under Section 14 of the Local Authorities Act, 1992 (Act 23 of 1992).”
When contacted for a comment, Windhoek mayor Queen Kamati said she was unaware of the matter and had to "check" with the CEO.