Johannesburg:The City of Johannesburg has introduced the Pensioners Legacy and Relief Campaign to aid senior citizens in accessing property-rates relief and assist families in managing municipal responsibilities effectively.
According to South African Government News Agency, the campaign was launched to coincide with the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, highlighting the needs of South Africa's senior citizens. It focuses on providing practical information on property-rates rebates for qualifying pensioners and guidance for families on maintaining municipal records and managing accounts upon a property owner's death.
To ease the administrative process for older citizens, the City has extended property-rates rebates for existing approved pensioner beneficiaries until the end of June next year. Pensioners who have already been approved for rebates will not need to reapply for the current General Valuation Roll cycle, provided they meet the applicable policy requirements. During the 2025/26 financial year, approximately R329.8 million in property-rates rebates were provided to 38,308 pensioner beneficiaries.
The City offers various forms of relief for pensioners. Those aged 60 to 69 with a gross monthly household income below R13,519 can receive a 100% rates rebate on properties valued up to R1.5 million. Those with incomes between R13,519 and R23,172 qualify for a 50% rebate. Additionally, qualifying social grant recipients may receive 100% relief. Pensioners aged 70 and older can receive a 100% rates rebate on properties valued up to R2 million, regardless of income, subject to policy requirements.
Existing approved pensioners do not need to submit new applications. However, new applicants or those who have recently turned 60 must submit an application. Applicants must be the property‚¬„¢s registered owners and reside there as their primary residence. The pensioner rebate applies to one property per applicant, in line with the City's Rates Policy.
For assistance, applications can be requested or submitted via email at [email protected], in person at a City Customer Service Centre, or online on the City's website. Guidance on deceased estates is available at the Legal Department in Braamfontein.
Kgamanyane Maphologela, Director of Communications for the City's Group Finance Department, emphasized the importance of understanding property matters after a property owner's death. Families are encouraged to keep municipal accounts current to prevent financial complications during property transfer. Maphologela urged senior citizens to take advantage of available relief and encouraged families to manage their property affairs to ensure the family home remains an asset.