********s with *********

SmartMatter’s platform is currently being used to block the purchase of prepaid electricity due to rental arrears that have nothing to do with electricity consumption. Electricity is an essential service, yet the system prevents tenants from purchasing power because of rent owed to the property manager.

This practice effectively cuts off electricity to enforce rental payment, which amounts to ******** self-help and is inconsistent with South African law. In particular, it conflicts with the Rental Housing Act and the Prevention of ******* Eviction from and ******** Occupation of Land Act (PIE Act), both of which protect tenants from being forced out of their homes or deprived of essential services without due legal process.

When SmartMatter was asked to clarify the legal mandate for linking rental arrears to a prepaid electricity account, the company refused to address the question and redirected the matter back to property management, despite the restriction being enforced through their own platform.

Blocking access to electricity in order to collect rental arrears raises serious legal and ethical concerns and warrants review by regulators such as the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

Tenants deserve transparency and access to essential services without platforms being used to enforce rental collection outside proper legal processes