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Mandela Receives Apology For Utilities Bill With Disconnection Threat

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“Pay up or else your water and electricity supply will be cut,” former South African President Nelson Mandela has been told.

According to bdlive.co.za:

“A notice warning of a cut-off in municipal services sent to former president Nelson Mandela’s home in Houghton was delivered incorrectly, the City of Johannesburg said on Monday.

“Earlier it was reported that City Power had issued a pre-termination notice to Mr. Mandela’s Houghton residence, saying it would cut services to the house if arrears of more than R6,000 [$609] were not settled within 14 days.

“The City of Johannesburg has battled a billing crisis in recent years, with the African National Congress’ Luthuli House headquarters in the city among the latest victims of incorrect billing.

“Mr. Mandela has been receiving medical care for a recurring lung infection at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria since June 8. The latest medical update by the presidency says that he remains in a critical condition but was improving.

“City of Johannesburg spokesman Kgamanyane Maphologela said the letter that arrived at the Houghton home was sent to the incorrect address.

“‘We are obviously investigating, but we are aware it was sent to an incorrect address. The letter stipulates that the letter should be delivered to Oaklands and not to Houghton, where former President Nelson Mandela resides,’ Mr. Maphologela said.”

Mandela receives apology over bill blunder

“Johannesburg officials apologized to Mandela after he was sent the warning.

“City officials have faced a barrage of complaints over bungled utility bills affecting thousands of residents.

‘The city wants to convey an apology to the Mandela family for any inconvenience caused by this unfortunate incident,’ the City of Johannesburg said in a statement.”

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