The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has introduced a Debt Relief Programme aimed at assisting financially struggling businesses and residents 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.
The City will launch Phase Four of its Debt Relief Programme on 1 November 2025, following Council approval on 30 October 2025. This 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.
Building on the achievements and lessons of the previous phases in 2019, 2021, and 2022, the City has redesigned the programme to strike a balance between compassionate assistance for struggling customers and sound financial governance. The updated framework introduces expanded eligibility criteria, stricter compliance mechanisms, and innovative customer incentives to encourage ongoing payment discipline.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance, Cllr 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,” said Masuku.
“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,” said the Cllr Masuku, adding that, “we are building a culture where fairness, accountability and responsible service consumption coexist.”
The Debt Relief 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; and
- Regularise accounts to avoid disconnections and legal action.
All categories will further benefit from a 100% interest write-off and waivers on final demand, disconnection and miscellaneous charges. Eligible customers include residential, business (small and large), faith-based organisations, NPOs, old-age homes, orphanages, body corporates, City’s Staff and Councillors who meet the set criteria and demonstrate a willingness to maintain payment discipline going forward.
Tailored relief across customer categories – under Phase Four, relief measures will be differentiated according to customer categories and affordability levels:
- Pensioners and Expanded Social Package (ESP) beneficiaries: Up to 100% debt write-off, with repayment terms of up to 36 months where applicable.
- Residential customers (all income levels): Eligible for a 50% write-off, with the balance repayable over 12 to 24 months.
- Small businesses, faith-based organisations, NPOs, old-age homes, orphanages and body corporates (turnover less than R3 million): Eligible for a 50% write-off on debt older than 36 months, with the remaining balance payable within 6-12 months.
- Large businesses and consumers: May qualify for a 50% write-off on debt older than 36 months, with the balance payable within 60 days.
Eligibility Criteria and Compliance – to qualify for relief, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Property value must not exceed R2.5 million (per the City’s Valuation Roll).
- Applicant must be the registered property owner and submit a certified copy of their ID.
- Accounts must be up to date from the date of application, with current charges fully paid.
- Metering must be normalised, with no tampering, and smart prepaid meters must be installed.
- Relief will be granted based on actual meter readings, not estimates.
- Small businesses and non-residential entities must provide three years of audited financial statements and six months of bank statements.
- Vacant properties and staff accounts previously granted relief will not qualify.
Approved accounts will undergo a 12-month portfolio monitoring process to track compliance and payment behaviour. Any breach of agreement will result in reversal of the relief and reinstatement of the original debt.
Loyalty Reward Scheme
In a first for the City, Phase Four introduces a Loyalty Reward Scheme to recognise and reward consistent payers. Customers with fully up to date accounts may receive discounts of up to 25% at City-owned recreational and cultural facilities, including the Johannesburg Zoo, Braamfontein and Jabulani Theatres, community halls, Metrobus and Rea Vaya services.
This innovative incentive underscores the City’s commitment to building positive relationships with compliant customers, while promoting civic pride and shared responsibility.
Application Process – Customers can apply through multiple convenient channels as of 1 November 2025:
Online: www.joburg.org.za
Email: [email protected]
Call Centre: Request for information on the process on 0860 56 28 74 or 0860-JOBURG
In person: Visit any Category A Revenue Customer Service Centre across the City’s seven regions.