Residents of Doornkop in Region C gathered in large numbers at a local church in Ward 50 and Tshepisong for civic education sessions hosted by the City of Johannesburg. The engagements aimed to inform residents about their civic rights and introduce municipal programmes designed to assist financially distressed households.
The sessions were attended by Ward Councillor Bheki Mgaga, Ward 128 Councillor MacDonald Galashe, Region C Regional Director, officials from the Electoral Commission of South Africa, Eskom, and representatives from several City departments and entities.
With unemployment rising and many households struggling to meet basic needs, municipal debt has continued to increase as residents are often forced to choose between paying municipal accounts and covering daily living expenses.
To assist affected households, the City has introduced a Debt Relief Programme offering qualifying residents the opportunity to apply for assistance with their municipal debt. According to Daniel Xaba from the City’s Revenue Department, the programme could provide significant relief. In some cases, residents may qualify for a full write-off of their municipal debt, while others may receive partial relief.
Approved by Council and launched in November 2025, the programme will remain open for applications until 31 October 2026. Both employed and unemployed residents may qualify, depending on the assessment criteria. Beneficiaries may also be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Debt and commit to maintaining regular payments on their accounts going forward.
Residents welcomed the initiative and raised questions about the application process, required documents, and where to submit their applications.
Officials from City Power Johannesburg also addressed the meeting, highlighting the growing challenge of electricity losses caused by non-payment and illega l connections. In some areas, audits have revealed that up to eight out of ten households are connected illegally, damaging infrastructure and contributing to frequent power outages.
To support vulnerable households, the City has introduced the Free Basic Electricity programme for qualifying indigent residents. Those who successfully register may receive R200 worth of electricity (50 kWh) a month.
City Power officials also stressed the importance of installing smart meters as part of a “meter normalisation” process aimed at reducing illegal connections and improving electricity management.
Sifiso Hlongwane from the Office of the Speaker encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meeting for Region C, scheduled to take place at Roodepoort City Hall on 28 March 2026.
“To get information about your requested projects and make follow-ups with the leadership in attendance, ensure you are there,” Hlongwane said.
Written by Thembelihle Radebe