Community Empowerment

CITY OF EKURHULENI REFUTES FALSE CLAIM OF A “50% RENT” REQUIREMENT FOR INDIGENT HOUSEHOLDS

By Thulasizwe City of Ekurhuleni 1802

The City of Ekurhuleni notes the recent unfounded statement made by the Thembisa Community Forum (TCF) alleging that the City now requires indigent families to pay 50% of their rent for municipal homes.

This allegation is false and grossly misrepresents the City’s approved indigent policy. There is no City policy or Council resolution introducing a 50% rent co-payment for indigent households in Ekurhuleni. The only change which is consistent with prudent financial management and Auditor-General of South Africa’s findings, is the treatment of service consumption for indigent customers.

In the past, all monthly consumption for indigent households was written off; and

the updated approach directs that only the free basic services allocation is written off – and any consumption above the free allocation must be paid for by the customer.

To be clear, this adjustment relates to municipal service consumption (e.g. water, refuse and electricity) and not to a new rent rule as alleged by the TCF. The Free basic services package for registered deemed indigent residents remain in place:

  • 100% Rebate on assessment rates;
  • Free refuse removal;
  • 6kl of water and sewer for deemed indigent per month;
  • 10kl of water and sewer for approved indigent per month;
  • 50kwh of free electricity per month; and
  • Free indigent burial to registered indigents.

This approach ensures that support for the pro-poor continues while encouraging responsible usage of scarce and costly services that impact the City’s finances.

“The City’s pro-poor commitments are intact. There is no 50% rent policy. Indigent households continue to receive free basic services; only excess consumption, beyond these free allocations, is payable. We invite TCF and all community stakeholders to engage us directly so facts can guide the discussion and we can avoid misleading the residents of Thembisa.” emphasises MMC for Finance Ald. Jongizizwe Dlabathi.

The City encourages residents seeking assistance with indigent registration or clarification on their accounts to contact the municipality through our customer care centres or established digital channels.