In the past few days we have received countless queries from customers who have been threatened, via SMS, with cut off without further notice, for a violation or “dishonouring” of their instalment payment arrangement (called an “AOD”) with COJ. This article examines this issue in detail. ( If you don’t see the document below, please…
It’s that time of year again – when COJ starts disconnecting all over the City based on outstanding arrears. This happens because COJ anticipates that people will get Christmas bonuses at the end of November that they can use to settle the arrears. We have seen a marked increase in the past week in the…
Introduction This is part 1 of an “idiots guide” to logging queries, disputes and complaints with the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (“COJ”). Although one might question why it is necessary to write an article explaining what appears to be such a simple concept, we regularly receive reports of customers not being able to take…
This article considers the legal effect of section 110 of the Systems Act, which is regarded (wrongly) by some municipal officials as an “escape clause” which allows a municipality to produce a certificate certifying that it did its best as evidence of that fact in court. Read the article below: ( If you don’t see…
This article deals with the issue of the security afforded to a municipality in terms of a consumer’s deposit. Please note that this article expresses an opinion on what the law should be, as it has not been definitively decided on this point as of yet. Read the article below: ( If you don’t see…
This article from Schindlers Attorneys examines the instances in which the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (“COJ”) charges residential property owners business rates, the legality thereof, and what a consumer faced with such a problem can do about it. Read the full article here: ( If you don’t see the document below, please try refreshing…
The article at the link below considers the legal question of whether a municipality needs a court order to lawfully terminate the supply of electricity/water to a property. http://www.schindlers.co.za/news/municipal-terminations-of-supply-is-a-court-order-necessary/ It was written by Maike Gohl (senior associate at Schindlers) and I on the basis of our experience in court, in particular in relation to urgent…
The Forgotten Requirement of the Mandament van Spolie and its practical application to Landlords and Tenants
LEGALITIES OF COJ IMPOSING ILLEGAL USE TARIFF WITHOUT CHANGING CATEGORY TO ILLEGAL USE CATEGORY ON PROPERTY ROLL We have seen this happening quite frequently. Attached is an article written by myself and Maike Gohl (senior associate at Schindlers) dealing with the legalities (or rather, illegality) of this move, as confirmed by the Joburg High Court….
PARLIAMENT CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS ON EXPROPRIATION WITHOUT COMPENSATION On Friday 13th April, Parliament called for written submissions by relevant stakeholders on the abovementioned issue. The public notice can be accessed here: https://www.parliament.gov.za/press-releases/constitutional-review-committee-calls-written-submissions. The closing date for written submissions and requests for oral presentation is Thursday, 31 May 2018. Enquiries and written submissions can be addressed to…