Late post is no reason not to pay

The on-going interruption of postal services has seen a number of frustrated customers who, due to not receiving their statements on time, have either skipped payment or paid late, thus incurring arrears on their accounts.

“We are aware of the strike by post office workers, but it was in view of circumstances like these, among others, that the municipality introduced numerous options which serve to make accessibility of statements and payments easy,” said metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe.

“The non-receipt of a statement does not exempt any person from the liability to pay such an account.”

Residents are encouraged to pay similar amounts to the previous month’s statement, should they not have received their current statements.

Residents who are not receiving their statements by post or summary statements by SMS are encouraged to visit their Customer Care Centres, to update their contact details.

The municipal basket of improved payment methods includes the online system, which enables customers to view and pay their accounts online.

Residents are encouraged to register on www.e-siyakhokha.co.za to be able to view their statements online.

Clients can also pay their accounts at the Customer Care Centres or outlets identified at the back of their statements.

The online system also enables them to predate payments (you can set the system to pay your account on a set date, with a set amount, if you are on leave).

The system also immediately gives you notification of payment, keeps records of your accounts and payments from the time you register to use this method, and you can query your account while online.

“It is important to note that the due date for payment is fixed and it does not change from month to month,” said Gadebe.

“When in doubt, customers may phone the numbers at the back of their previous statement.”

Alternatively, send an email with your account number and contact details to accountenquiries@ekurhuleni.gov.za