Ratepayers’ Struggle: The City of Windhoek’s Selective Billing and Redforce’s Questionable Practices

By Leonard Witbeen

Windhoek residents continue to face inconsistent and seemingly unfair treatment regarding municipal bills, with some accounts being swiftly rectified while others suffer at the hands of aggressive debt collectors. A recent case involving a prominent Governor highlights the glaring disparities in how the City of Windhoek (CoW) and Redforce Debt Management handle ratepayers.

A Governor’s Bill Magically Reduced

A Governor who owns property in Windhoek recently discovered that their municipal account suddenly reflected a staggering debt of N$24,000. Upon raising concerns, the amount was miraculously adjusted to N$9,000, and after further intervention, the outstanding balance was reduced to just N$700. The speed at which this matter was resolved raises serious questions about the fairness and accuracy of the city’s billing system.

This case demonstrates that certain individuals receive preferential treatment when discrepancies arise in their municipal accounts. While the Governor’s issue was swiftly addressed, many ordinary residents are left at the mercy of Redforce, a private debt collection firm accused of using aggressive and questionable tactics to recover funds.

Redforce’s Dubious Contract and Harassment of Ratepayers

Shaun Asprilla Gariseb, a well-known social justice activist, has warned residents against engaging with Redforce, citing concerns that the company is “cooking” documents related to its contract with the City of Windhoek. According to Gariseb, for the past three years, Redforce has failed to provide key documents such as:

A valid contract with the City of Windhoek

A council resolution authorizing their services

A notice of award

A bidding advertisement or proof of a transparent tender process

This lack of documentation raises serious doubts about the legality of Redforce’s operations. Despite this, countless residents with far smaller outstanding balances than the Governor are being harassed and coerced into making payments.

A Defective Billing System and a Call to Action

The Governor’s case further exposes the deep flaws in the City of Windhoek’s billing system. If even a high-ranking official can be overbilled and require intervention, what about the ordinary residents who lack the influence to challenge their accounts?

Activists are urging residents to stop cooperating with Redforce and stand together against what they describe as a broken and unfair system. Gariseb has extended an invitation to the Governor, calling on them to join future demonstrations.

> “Honorable Governor, if you can be mistreated, what about us? We invite you to stand with the people in our fight for justice.” – Shaun Asprilla Gariseb

The Fight for Fair Treatment Continues

This situation highlights a larger issue of accountability, transparency, and fairness in Windhoek’s municipal governance. Residents deserve a billing system that is accurate, transparent, and applied equally to all, regardless of status or influence.

As calls for action grow louder, one thing is clear: Windhoek’s ratepayers are no longer willing to accept selective treatment and questionable debt collection practices. The fight for justice continues.