By Levy Masiteng
The City of Johannesburg has urged residents and property owners to settle their municipal bills ahead of the festive season to avoid accumulating debt, additional charges and possible service interruptions.
“During the festive season, many residents travel outside Johannesburg to spend time with their families or enjoy their holidays. Unfortunately, some customers forget to settle their municipal accounts before leaving, resulting in accumulated arrears and possible credit control action when they return in January,” Kgamanyane Maphologela, the City’s Director of Communications and Stakeholder Management in the Group Finance Department said.
He said that unpaid accounts could be subjected to normal credit control processes, including applicable notices and possible service restrictions or disconnections.
The city has also reminded qualifying customers experiencing financial difficulties that applications for its Debt Relief Programme Phase 4 close on 31 October 2026.
Eligible residents have been encouraged to visit their nearest customer service centre to confirm whether they qualify and submit applications before the deadline.
Customers who do not qualify but are struggling to pay their accounts can contact the city’s credit control department to enquire about available payment arrangements.
“The Debt Relief Programme presents an important opportunity for qualifying customers to address historical municipal debt and work towards restoring their accounts to good standing,” Maphologela said.
The city has encouraged residents to use authorised payment channels, including e-Joburg, participating retailers and approved banking services, while retaining proof of payment and using the correct municipal account reference number.
Residents planning to travel have also been urged to check for water leaks, switch off unnecessary electrical appliances and make provision for municipal bills in their holiday budgets.
Maphologela said timely payments were essential to maintaining infrastructure and sustaining services such as water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal.
“Our message is simple: pay your municipal account before travelling, use authorised payment channels and contact the City early if you require assistance. A little financial planning today can prevent unnecessary difficulties in January,” he said.
