The City of Johannesburg has introduced a Debt Relief Programme aimed at assisting financially struggling residents and businesses to settle outstanding municipal accounts, while restoring financial sustainability to the city.
The initiative forms part of the city’s broader commitment to improving revenue collection, promoting social justice, and ensuring that ratepayers in arrears are provided with a fair opportunity to normalise their municipal accounts.
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The city will launch Phase Four of its Debt Relief Programme on November 1, following council approval on October 30.
The once-off, 12-month intervention is designed to offer targeted financial relief to qualifying municipal account holders who remain burdened by historical debt – while promoting a renewed culture of payment responsibility and sustainable revenue management.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance, Loyiso Masuku, said the programme underscores the city’s commitment to creating a caring and inclusive administration that recognises the economic hardships faced by households and businesses in recent years.
“We understand that many residents and small businesses have endured financial strain due to tough economic conditions. The city’s Debt Relief Programme is an opportunity for customers to bring their accounts up to date without facing punitive measures.
It’s about giving residents a fourth chance to rebuild trust and strengthen their relationship with the city.”
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He added that phase four is not just about writing off old debt – it’s about giving residents and businesses a realistic path to financial recovery while strengthening the city’s revenue base.
“We are building a culture where fairness, accountability and responsible service consumption coexist.”
The programme offers qualifying customers the chance to:
- Apply for partial or full interest and penalty write-offs on arrears.
- Enter into affordable payment arrangements to settle outstanding balances.
- Ensure continued access to essential city services.
- Regularise accounts to avoid disconnections and legal action.
Residents can visit the Randburg Civic Customer Service Centre to apply and for more information as of November 1.
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