The City of Tshwane’s decision to cut electricity at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has caused a backlash on social media, with many Nigerians accusing Mayor Nasiphi Moya of publicly humiliating the country.
Mayor Moya shared a post on X at 12:07 on February 2, saying that the High Commission owed the city for utility services and that electricity had been disconnected. The post included a photo of the Nigerian High Commission building and received over 1.8 million views.
Later the same day, at 14:47, Moya posted a follow-up message thanking the High Commission for settling the debt and confirming that electricity would be restored, tagging the City of Tshwane.
The posts sparked strong reactions from Nigerian users on X. Some criticised the disconnection and the public announcement, saying it was unnecessary and disrespectful. One user said that the post seemed designed to make Tshwane trend online at Nigeria’s expense. Others questioned why the city was thanking the High Commission after publicly shaming it, and some asked for proof that payment had actually been made.
This incident comes as the City of Tshwane increases its revenue collection efforts. Mayor Moya has recently used social media to announce electricity disconnections affecting various organisations, including government departments, over unpaid municipal accounts.
Related reports show that Tshwane’s revenue drive has also affected businessman Thami Ndlala, who owes over 2.3 million rand in unpaid bills.
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