Pretoria - The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has appealed to people earning less than R2020 and those who are unemployed, disabled or a pensioner to register for the municipality's indigent support programme.
The municipality offers impoverished residents free access to basic services like 9kl of water, 9kl sewerage, refuse removal, 100kWh of electricity per month as well as exemption from paying assessment rates.
Spokesperson for the metro, Zweli Dlamini, said the provision of these services despite one's financial situation would enable all Ekurhuleni residents to live with dignity, hence the importance for people to seize the opportunity and register.
The metro is currently on a drive to sensitise communities about the programme. "The drive will end in the first week of December. However, registration will still continue at the metro's Customer Care Centres," Dlamini explained.
The city's officials are visiting all wards in Ekurhuleni to register households whose residents earn less than the equivalent of two pension state grants per month that now currently stands at R2020.
To qualify, one must be the registered owner of the property and receive municipal services and a municipal statement every month.
Those who have been adversely affected by HIV and AIDS, such as child-headed households are also eligible.
To register for the programme applicants should bring their municipal statement, a copy of their ID book, copies of residents' identity documents, birth certificates and an affidavit stating the applicant's employment status.
Pensioners must bring their proof of pension as well as a month's bank statement if they receive their payment through a bank.
The metro's campaign takes place between 10am and 3pm at various venues. It involves information sessions, the registration of new applicants and verification of recent applications.
