The City of Johannesburg’s Group Finance Department successfully hosted an Open Day in Region E, reaffirming its commitment to accessible and transparent service delivery.
The event, held at the Sandton Customer Service Centre, enabled residents to engage directly with officials to resolve municipal account queries, register for the Expanded Social Package (ESP), and receive on-site assistance with issues such as billing, valuations, rates, and refunds. Additionally, City entities like City Power and Joburg Water were present to address service-related concerns.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance, Cllr Margaret Arnolds, praised the success of the Group Finance Open Day in Region E, describing it as a significant step towards improving service delivery and strengthening the relationship between the City and its residents.
A key focus of the initiative was assisting elderly and vulnerable residents in registering for the Expanded Social Package (ESP), which offers rebates on services such as water and electricity. “We want to ensure that those who qualify for financial relief are not left behind. This is why we have prioritised helping pensioners and low-income households access ESP benefits,” said MMC Arnolds.
Residents welcomed the initiative, commending the City for bringing services closer to the community. Ms Pillay, who received a credit of R150,000 after the City resolved her long-standing query and reversed all charges, said, “After battling for over a year and four months, I finally got my issue resolved today at the Open Day. If you have any issues, please attend the Open Day because it’s the best way to get them resolved.”
Another resident expressed satisfaction with the service, stating, “I was happy with how the City’s officials welcomed me. The staff were very friendly, and despite waiting at the legal desk, they did their best to assist me.”
Having launched in October last year, MMC Arnolds reaffirmed that Group Finance would continue hosting similar engagements across all regions of Johannesburg. “We are building a culture of accountability and ensuring no resident is left behind. These platforms empower our communities with the knowledge they need to navigate City processes,” she concluded.
The success of the Region E Open Day highlights the City’s dedication to proactive service delivery, financial transparency, and inclusive governance. By bringing essential services closer to residents, the City is not only addressing immediate concerns but also fostering a culture of trust and accountability.
Written by Vusi Gumbi