The City of Johannesburg has introduced the Pensioners Legacy and Relief Campaign, which aims to assist senior citizens in accessing property-rates relief while supporting families in protecting their homes and managing municipal affairs responsibly. This initiative coincides with the International Day of Older Persons, highlighting the needs of South Africa's senior citizens. The campaign provides practical information on property-rates rebates available to qualifying pensioners and guidance for families on managing municipal records and accounts when a property owner passes away.
To reduce the administrative burden on older citizens, the City has automatically extended its property-rates rebates for existing approved pensioner beneficiaries until the end of June next year. This means that pensioners whose rebates have already been approved do not need to re-apply to retain their benefits for the remainder of the current General Valuation Roll cycle. During the 2025/26 financial year, the City provided approximately R329.8 million in property-rates rebates to 38,308 pensioner beneficiaries.
The City offers various forms of relief for pensioners, including a 100% rates rebate on qualifying properties valued up to R1.5 million for those aged 60-69 with a gross monthly household income below R13,519. For those aged 60-69 with a gross monthly household income between R13,519 and R23,172, a 50% rates rebate is available on qualifying properties valued up to R1.5 million. Recipients of a qualifying social grant may also qualify for 100% relief.
Qualifying pensioners aged 70 and older may receive a 100% rates rebate on properties valued up to R2 million, regardless of monthly income. Existing approved pensioner beneficiaries covered by the automatic extension do not need to submit new applications. However, residents who have recently turned 60, have newly become eligible, or have never previously applied must submit an application for consideration.
New applicants are encouraged to ensure that their applications are complete to avoid delays or rejections. This includes stating their gross monthly income on the application form, signing the form as the registered property owner, and attaching a certified copy of their South African identity document. Where a property is jointly owned, required supporting income documentation and declarations for all relevant co-owners must be provided.
The City provides various channels for assistance with applications, including email, in-person visits to Customer Service Centres, and online resources. For guidance on deceased estate matters, families can visit the Legal Department at Thuso House in Braamfontein. The campaign also focuses on assisting families in understanding what happens to property when an account owner passes away.
Director of Communications within the City's Group Finance Department, Kgamanyane Maphologela, noted that the campaign aims to help families understand how to manage municipal accounts while the estate process is being finalised. The City encourages families to keep municipal bills up to date in the event of a loved one passing to prevent mounting debt and complications when the property is transferred.
Key points
- The City of Johannesburg has launched a pensioners' relief campaign to help senior citizens access property-rates relief and support families in managing municipal affairs responsibly.
- The campaign provides automatic extension of property-rates rebates for existing approved pensioner beneficiaries until June next year.
- Qualifying pensioners can receive up to 100% rates rebate on properties valued up to R2 million, depending on age and income.
