Diplomatic niceties have been thrown out the window in Pretoria, where Mayor Cilliers Brink has taken the extraordinary step of publicly shaming the Nigerian High Commission for failing to pay its utility bills. In a move that has sparked a diplomatic row, the commission’s power was unceremoniously disconnected.

The incident, broadcast to the world via a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter) by City Manager Ms. Moya, highlights the aggressive revenue collection strategy adopted by the City of Tshwane. The campaign, dubbed #TshwaneYaTima ("Tshwane Switches Off"), takes no prisoners, targeting everyone from private businesses to foreign embassies. "We have disconnected the Nigerian High Commission," Moya announced, revealing that the diplomatic mission owed a staggering amount in arrears. The image of a major African powerhouse’s embassy sitting in the dark is a potent symbol of the fiscal discipline being enforced in South Africa’s capital.

This is not just about electricity; it is a statement of intent. The City of Tshwane is grappling with a financial crisis and has decided that no one is above the ledger. The Nigerian High Commission, usually a hub of activity and a symbol of Abuja’s influence in the region, was left scrambling for generators and explanations.

The #TshwaneYaTima Campaign

The aggressive disconnection drive has become a hallmark of the current city administration. It aims to recover billions of Rands owed to the municipality.

• No Sacred Cows: The campaign has previously targeted local government departments, military bases, and other diplomatic missions, proving that immunity does not extend to utility bills.
• Public Shaming: The use of social media to announce the disconnections adds a layer of reputational damage that forces quick compliance.
• Fiscal Desperation: Tshwane faces a budget deficit that threatens service delivery, making these collections a matter of survival for the city.

The reaction from the Nigerian community in South Africa has been one of embarrassment and anger. "It is a disgrace," said one Nigerian business owner in Pretoria. "How can our government fail to pay for light? It makes us a laughing stock." The High Commission is yet to issue a formal statement, but sources indicate that frantic efforts are underway to settle the debt and restore power.

Diplomatic Fallout

While the city insists this is purely a financial matter, the optics are undeniably strained. Nigeria and South Africa have a complex relationship, often vying for the title of the continent’s leading economy. This public humiliation adds another layer of frost to their diplomatic ties. However, for the residents of Pretoria who pay their rates, the Mayor’s actions are a welcome display of accountability.

As the Nigerian High Commission works to clear its tab, the message from City Hall is loud and clear: In Tshwane, you pay up, or you power down. The days of diplomatic free-riding are officially over.