Qualifying Expanded Social Package (ESP) beneficiaries and pensioners may have their municipal debt completely written off under the City of Johannesburg’s debt relief programme.
Customers falling into other eligible categories may also receive relief, although they could be required to sign acknowledgements of debt and commit to paying the remaining balances.
The City said every application is considered individually according to criteria approved as part of the municipal programme.
The amount of debt relief available depends on the applicant’s category, the type and amount of qualifying debt, and the specific conditions attached to the programme.
Beneficiaries must also comply with the programme’s requirements and remain responsible for paying their ongoing municipal charges.
According to the City, approved debt write-offs have so far amounted to:
R674.4 million for ESP beneficiaries;
R315.6 million for residential customers; and
R205.1 million for pensioners.
Kgamanyane Maphologela, the City’s Group Finance Communications and Stakeholder Management Director, said the programme provides substantial assistance to customers struggling with longstanding municipal debt.
He said the relief gives qualifying account holders an opportunity to bring their municipal accounts up to date and establish a sustainable payment relationship with the City.
Who can apply?
Applications are being accepted at municipal service centres in Midrand, Randburg, Roodepoort, Jabulani, Sandton, Braamfontein and Lenasia.
Residential applicants must own the property for which the debt relief is requested and demonstrate that it is occupied as a residence rather than being used for commercial or investment purposes. Their electricity meter must also be normalised and supported by an accurate billing record.
ESP beneficiaries and pensioners must meet the programme’s household-income threshold, live at the property concerned and have a meter that has not been tampered with.
The programme also makes provision for certain organisations and businesses. Small businesses, body corporates, old-age homes, orphanages, faith-based organisations and non-profit organisations can qualify if their annual turnover does not exceed R3 million and they are registered with the municipality.
However, account holders who have previously received debt relief through an agreement are generally excluded from applying again. ESP beneficiaries and pensioners are exceptions to this restriction.
Applicants must provide supporting documentation according to their respective categories. These may include proof of South African citizenship, evidence that the meter has not been tampered with and proof of income. Businesses may additionally be required to submit financial statements and company registration documents.
The City has urged residents who believe they meet the requirements to submit their applications and supporting paperwork without delay.
The application period closes on 31 October 2026, with Maphologela warning customers not to wait until the final days before submitting their applications.
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