The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has called on qualifying residents and municipal account holders to take advantage of the city’s Debt Relief Programme Phase 4 before applications close on 31 October 2026.
According to the CoJ, the programme is aimed at efforts to assist qualifying customers experiencing financial difficulties, rehabilitate municipal accounts, encourage responsible payment behaviour and strengthen the City’s long-term revenue sustainability.
Some 18 043 applications have already been received, representing R2.052 billion in outstanding municipal debt across various customer categories.
CoJ Director of Communications and Stakeholder Management in Group Finance, Kgamanyane Maphologela, urged customers to apply with haste.
“We are making a final appeal to all qualifying residents and account holders who have not yet submitted their applications not to wait for the last minute.
“The Debt Relief Programme presents an important opportunity for eligible customers to address historical municipal debt and work towards restoring their accounts to good standing.
“We encourage customers to submit complete applications, together with all required supporting documents, well ahead of the closing date. Early submission allows sufficient time for applications to enter the assessment process and reduces the risk of delays associated with the last-minute rush,” Maphologela said.
Apply for the programme by:
- Visiting an official City of Johannesburg Revenue Customer Service Centre for assistance with the application process and submission of the required documentation.
- Visiting www.joburg.org.za and select the Debt Relief Programme link or icon to access the relevant application information and online process. Applicants should ensure that all information supplied is accurate and that the necessary supporting documents are included
“This programme is about giving qualifying customers an opportunity to address their historical debt while building a culture of consistent payment for municipal services. Every account that is successfully rehabilitated contributes to a more sustainable revenue environment and ultimately supports the City’s ability to deliver services.
“The closing date is 31 October 2026. We, therefore, urge residents not to leave their applications until the last moment. Act now, use the official application channels and ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline,” Maphologela said.
The City emphasised that the programme is not an “automatic or blanket cancellation of municipal debt”.
“Applications are assessed individually in accordance with Council-approved eligibility requirements and the applicable conditions of Phase 4,” the CoJ said.
Customers are encouraged to note the following important conditions:
- Relief is not automatic: Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Each application must meet the prescribed qualifying criteria.
- Relief differs by customer category: The extent of relief depends on the applicable customer category, qualifying debt and programme conditions.
- Current municipal accounts remain payable: Customers must continue paying their current monthly municipal charges in accordance with the programme requirements.
- Complete documentation is essential: Applicants should ensure that the prescribed application form and all required supporting documents are submitted.
- Beware of fraudulent intermediaries: Customers should use official City channels and avoid individuals or organisations promising guaranteed approval in exchange for payment.
“The City further emphasises that debt relief must be accompanied by a commitment to sustainable payment behaviour to prevent customers from accumulating new municipal arrears,” the CoJ said. – SAnews.gov.za
