04/09/2026
BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY HOSTS AMAHLATHI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY FOR SMART METER ROLL-OUT BENCHMARKING SESSION
04 September 2026
Bela Bela Local Municipality hosts a peer-learning and benchmarking engagement with Amahlathi Local Municipality as part of efforts to share best practices and strengthen municipal approaches to the implementation of the RT29 Smart Meter Grant Programme, a National Treasury initiative aimed at strengthening municipal revenue management through the rollout of smart electricity metering technology.
The benchmarking session focuses on Bela Bela Local Municipality’s experience in the roll-out and management of smart meters, with particular attention given to the collaboration between the Municipality and its smart meter roll-out service provider CIGICELL.
The engagement provided an opportunity for Amahlathi Local Municipality to learn from Bela Bela’s implementation experience, particularly how effective collaboration between the Municipality, community, political leadership and the service provider has contributed to project stability, improved revenue management and strengthened municipal revenue collection.
As part of the benchmarking process, the two municipalities discussed key aspects of the smart meter programme, including implementation challenges, mitigation strategies, operational processes, customer management and measures required to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
Bela-Bela Local Municipality has made significant progress in the implementation of its smart meter programme, with 10,236 smart meters installed and live on the Symphony Head-End System (HES). The implementation has contributed to improved revenue performance, with the Municipality recording revenue growth of 12.76%.
“We welcome opportunities such as this benchmarking engagement because municipalities do not operate in isolation. We can learn from one another, share practical solutions and strengthen our approaches to service delivery and financial sustainability.
We encourage our colleagues from Amahlathi to return to Bela Bela not only for further engagements but also to experience our beautiful Sunshine Town and the establishments that make Bela Bela a tourism destination of choice,” said the Mr TG Ramagaga- Municipal Manager.
Amahlathi Local Municipality expressed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Bela Bela Local Municipality through continued peer learning, knowledge exchange and the sharing of practical best practices.
The two municipalities recognised that the successful implementation of smart metering requires more than technological investment. It requires strong municipal leadership, effective project management, responsive service provider partnerships, stakeholder engagement and robust revenue management systems.
Bela Bela Local Municipality remains committed to participating in initiatives that promote innovation, good governance, financial sustainability and improved service delivery for communities.
Amahlathi Local Municipality
