The City of Cape Town has urged households earning less than R7 500 a month to apply for its income-based indigent grant. The call follows a new property valuation that changed some residents’ municipal bills.
The City said its latest General Valuation pushed up some property values. As a result, some households saw their electricity tariffs change, and some now face new refuse removal charges.
The City said these changes could put more pressure on some households. It encouraged qualifying residents to apply for the help available to them.
The General Valuation is required by law and takes place every three years. Customers can find their property value on their municipal invoice.
According to the City, customers whose property value is now between R500 001 and R580 000 have moved from the Lifeline to the Domestic electricity tariff.
Those with a property value between R580 000 and R620 000, whose tariff changed in the same way, are also now being charged for refuse removal.
Customers with properties valued above R620 000 have also moved to the Domestic tariff. The City said they must now pay property rates and all other applicable service charges, unless they qualify for assistance.
The City warned that unpaid refuse charges could lead to debt deductions from electricity purchases. It said outstanding debt could also bring other credit control and debt collection action.
The City said extra help is available towards electricity costs where use is below 250kWh, or 450kWh for customers with a prepaid meter. This electricity benefit does not apply to Eskom customers.
The benefits also have limits, the City said. The indigent grant covers only the first refuse bin registered on a property. Any extra bins are still charged at the applicable tariff.
The electricity benefit applies only to the main meter. Secondary meters, including those serving a granny flat or separate dwelling, do not qualify.
The City said it wants qualifying residents to keep getting support during the transition. Once an application is approved, the benefits will be activated in line with the City’s Indigent Policy.
Residents can download the application forms from the City of Cape Town’s website and email them to [email protected]. Forms can also be handed in at a City walk-in centre, where residents can get help with the application.
The City asked qualifying households to apply as soon as possible. It said they can get the applicable benefits once their indigent status has been approved.
The City has also extended the U-Lock on previously approved indigent accounts until 30 November 2026.
Source: this article is based on reporting by The South African. Image: The South African. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Technology desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Werner Jacobs covers technology for Tzaneen Voice. Werner reports on mobile networks, data prices, internet access, smartphones, apps, AI, cybersecurity and South African tech companies. Each story explains what a new product, price change or policy means for ordinary users in South Africa.