Below is our latest article, written by Paul-Michael Keichel (Partner) and Caitlin Wilde (Senior Associate). Paul-Michael and Caitlin practice commercial law with Maurice Crespi, in the Crespi Team at Schindlers. If anyone requires any further information in relation to the above, they can contact either Paul-Michael (keichel@schindlers.co.za) or Caitlin (wilde@schindlers.co.za).
Dear all Happy New Year ! and all the best for 2019 from everyone in the Municipal Law Department at Schindlers. To start the year off on a positive note, we confirm that we have received confirmation in writing from COJ’s Valuations Department that it has applied to the MEC for condonation to allow members…
THE LAND HUNGER The attached article considers what ‘the land hunger’ might be in our unique South African context, and poses serious questions that need to be answered before our government can properly formulate a plan to address same. It was written by myself and senior associate Anja van Wijk. Chantelle Gladwin-Wood Read the article…
HOW TO LOG A QUERY/DISPUTE WITH COJ Our latest consumer-friendly article on how to log disputes with COJ is attached for your consideration. (If you don’t see the document below, please try refreshing your browser [F5] ) STRIKES AT BRAAMFONTEIN WALK IN CENTRE (THUSO HOUSE) AND CALL CENTRE See attached notice. Strikes are continuing since…
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…