How residents can find out if they qualify for City of Cape Town's R2,2 billion debt write-off initiative
The City has approved the relief measures as part of its 2025/26 budget.
Picture: Pixabay
CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit speaks to Siseko Mbandezi, Mayoral Committee Member for Finance at the City of Cape Town.
Listen below:
The City of Cape Town has approved a massive R2,2 billion debt write-off for qualifying residents as part of its 2025/26 budget.
As at 30 June 2025, the annual collection ratio result was 97,83%, however, the City says the debt write-off initiative is to offer economic relief for qualifying residents facing hardship and also to enhance the financial sustainability of the metro.
The debt remission is for municipal debt outstanding for periods prior to and including 30 June 2024.
Council has approved debt relief for qualifying customers who own residential properties valued between R450 000 and R7,5 million.
Indigent properties with zero valuation, income-based indigent customers, those on pension and social grants, as well as various institutions such as cemeteries and crematoria, non-profit organisations, animal shelters, accommodation for the vulnerable, local community museums, old age homes, public benefit organisations, social housing, and youth development organisations could also benefit.
"We have said those with property value over R500,000 up to R2.5 million would qualify for a 100% write-off and those with property value over R2.5 million and up to R7 million would also qualify up to 50% of their debts. That on its own shows the commitment to also assist those who are in the middle income households with financial difficulty..."
- Siseko Mbandezi, Mayoral Committee Member for Finance - City of Cape Town
It should be noted that write-offs will be reversed if payment arrangements are not adhered to, Mbandezi says.
Customers are encouraged to contact the City. They will be informed whether they qualify when visiting the customer interaction centres or when contacting the call centre with account enquiries or when wanting to make a payment arrangement.
Customers are urged to contact the City via:
- Email: payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.co.za
- Call: 0860 103 089
- Rates rebates: rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za
- Indigent help: indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za
- Visit any walk-in center
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.