The City of Cape Town offers a comprehensive package of financial relief options available for residents who are unable to make their monthly payments.
Financial assistance includes a debt write-off incentive, relief for tenants, some R3,4 billion available for indigent relief and assistance in the form of no interest payment arrangements.
“Those who cannot pay their municipal accounts should please approach the City for assistance as it is important that we continue to support residents who are struggling,” said Siseko Mbandezi, Mayoral Committee member for Finance.
“The City has an excellent payment ratio, which indicates most ratepayers are able to pay their accounts. Without the revenue from rates and services, we would not be able to provide services. However, we are sympathetic to residents who are struggling financially.”
Mbandezi added that the City helps more than 40% of local households with free basic services and provides no-interest payment arrangements and debt write-off initiatives to assist residents while encouraging a culture of payment.
“All residents who are struggling to pay are encouraged to approach the City and discuss their situation with us. Those who have been hit hard by the Covid-19 national lockdown should approach the City and enter into a formal interest free payment arrangement based on agreed upon terms,” he implored.
“Quite often residents who struggle to pay for rates and services decide on their own to reduce payments or make ad hoc payments and then fall into arrears. They should rather approach the City so their circumstances can be assessed. Residents may qualify for support, or else they can enter into a payment arrangement to avoid debt management and legal actions.”
Mbandezi pointed out that the debt write-off relief, where customers enter into a payment arrangement of having their outstanding debt older than 1 July 2018 written off, will only be available until 30 June this year. “Customers are encouraged to visit a contact centre to enter into a payment arrangement to benefit from this incentive. The payment arrangement will be entered into with the condition that the debt which is written-off be reinstated if customers default on their instalment plans,” he advised.
“The uptake of indigent support remains relatively low and the City reiterates its call for those who are in financial difficulty to approach the City and see if they qualify for support.”
To apply or explore the financial relief options:
. For rates or services relief, visit: www.capetown.gov.za or a City customer office, or send an email to indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za. . Pensioners 60 years or older and people who receive social grants earning not more than R17 500 may qualify for a rates rebate of between 10% and 100%. Visit a City customer care office or send an email to rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za. . If you are renting a community residential unit from the City, you can apply for financial support if you are struggling to pay your rent by calling 021 444 0333 or sending a WhatsApp message to 063 299 9927.. To make a payment arrangement, visit the City’s website or send an email to Payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za. Businesses in financial hardship due to the economic pressure from the lockdown can approach the City for relief based on the merits of each application. Send an email to Covid19.Relief@capetown.gov.za.
