About Municipal Debt Specialist (MDS)
Over the past two decades, MDS has successfully assisted in nearly 15,000 matters, delivering billions of rands in reductions on high municipal clearance figures.
What Makes MDS Different
MDS does not rely on informal negotiations or shortcuts.
Our work is grounded in court-developed and municipality-approved methodologies that we have pioneered through years of legal process and engagement. These methods are designed to produce fast, lawful, and final outcomes.
Because our approach is:
- Legally sound
- Consistently applied
- Proven through litigation
Municipalities recognise and regularly accept our submissions as compliant and enforceable. This allows us to engage municipalities from a position of authority, ensuring that accounts are corrected efficiently and correctly.
Our Constitutional Court journey and long-standing litigation history have established MDS as a recognised authority on Section 118 matters in South Africa.
Why Clients Choose MDS
Established legal authority
We have played a leading role in shaping the legal framework around Section 118, including litigation at the highest level, ensuring greater protection for property owners against unjust municipal debt.
Proven track record
MDS has delivered thousands of successful audits and clearance figure reductions, consistently achieving results without delaying property transfers.
Aligned, results-based model
Our fee structure is outcome-driven, with no upfront costs—aligning our success directly with the savings we secure for our clients.
Transparency and compliance
Our approach is fully aligned with the Municipal Systems Act and established case law. We focus on lawful, defensible outcomes—recognising that Section 118 is not a discount mechanism, but a legal process requiring correct application.
How We Reduce Clearance Figures
Our focus is simple: ensuring that clients pay only what is legally due—and nothing more.
We achieve this through:
- Detailed audits and analysis of municipal accounts
- Identification of billing errors, misallocations, and incorrect charges
- Preparation of structured, legally compliant submissions
- Securing full and final settlement reductions on rates clearance figures Required for a Rates and Taxes Clearance certificate
The result is a definitive, legally supported reduction, allowing property transfers to proceed with certainty. Furthermore since we ensure full and final settlement reductions; all parties can be rest assured there will be no comebacks.
Our Standards
MDS operates with strict professional integrity.
- We do not take shortcuts
- We do not rely on informal or undocumented arrangements
- We do not engage in any unlawful, fraudulent, or irregular practices
Every matter is handled with the goal of achieving a clean, legally defensible outcome that stands up to scrutiny—both during and after the transaction process.
Who We Assist
MDS supports a broad range of clients involved in property transactions and distressed municipal accounts, including:
- Property owners, buyers, and sellers
- Banks and financial institutions
- Conveyancing attorneys
- Property developers
- Liquidators and business rescue practitioners
- Trustees in sequestration matters
- Executors and executrixes in deceased estates
- Divorce and estate division matters
We work across all property sectors:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Agricultural
Bridging Finance Support
Many of our clients face liquidity constraints due to unexpectedly high municipal clearance figures.
To support transaction completion, MDS works with a select group of trusted bridging finance partners. Where appropriate, we assist in facilitating bridging solutions to ensure that transactions can proceed while our reduction process is underway.
Our Mission
To ensure that every municipal clearance figure is lawful, accurate, and fair, and that no client is required to pay more than what is legally owed.
Constitutional Court to Hear New Ventures Consulting & Services / Municipal Debt Specialist
Meet Peter Livanos – Director & Section 118 Authority 
Peter Livanos is widely recognised as South Africa’s leading expert on Section 118 of the Municipal Systems Act. He spearheaded and funded the multi-year litigation that culminated in the Constitutional Court’s unanimous ruling protecting new owners from historic debts.
Section 118 Is NOT Discount
Recognised by the Media 
Discover More About Our Expertise and Success:
- For more information about our services or to discuss your needs, please Contact Us.
- Our team is ready to offer expert support and ensure a smooth, efficient property transfer process.
- Please also consider our NO OBLIGATION & FREE Clearance Figures Help Desk offering.
- Why not read what other clients have to say about us under our Testimonials.
- Do you know what a Clearance Figure or Certificate even looks like or is? Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Last but not least please check out our amazing News & Updates / Press Releases in the National Media on our massive wins and acclaim.
Our Services include:
At the Municipal Debt Specialist, we offer comprehensive services to address all aspects of Municipal debt with regards to Clearance figures and Clearance Certificates, ensuring a smooth and efficient property transfer process. Our expert team is dedicated to managing and resolving Municipal debt issues with precision and professionalism.
- Clearance Figures Reduction and Settlement: We specialise in reducing and settling high clearance figures to obtain a Clearance Certificate in accordance with Section 118(1) of the Municipal Systems Act. This service is essential for all types of property transfers, including normal sales, deceased estates, repossessions, properties in possession, auctions, sheriff sales in execution, sequestrations and liquidations.
- Insolvency Act Historical Debt Reduction and Settlement: Our team effectively deals with and settles outstanding historical debt as per Section 118(2) and Section 89 of the Insolvency Act. This service ensures that all historical debts are addressed, particularly in cases of liquidations or sequestrations, protecting both sellers and buyers from lingering liabilities.
- Outstanding Historical Preferential Debt Reduction and Settlement: We handle the reduction and settlement of outstanding historical debt under Section 118(3) of the Municipal Systems Act. Our meticulous approach ensures that all debts related to the property are resolved, safeguarding property owners from future claims or stresses.
- Bridging Finance Solutions: To further enhance our service offering, we have partnered with bridging finance companies that can bridge the amounts payable to the Municipality.