In a bid to bring services closer to elderly residents, the City of Joburg’s pensioner rebates registration drive recently visited the Olivedale Retirement Village in Randburg. At least 100 pensioners who reside at the village attended the registration drive.
The drive was carried out by the City’s Group Finance Department under the Revenue and Shared Services Centre (RSSC) team. To demonstrate its efforts as a caring City, officials went to the residences of the pensioners to register them for rebates and e-Joburg service in the comfort of their homes.
Many pensioners left with the smiles on their faces after they had registered to receive rebates on their homes.
Michael Brits, a 74-year-old resident at the retirement village, was thrilled after he successfully registered to receive rebates on his home.
“I am so impressed with Joburg municipality for coming to us the residents, helping us to fill in the rebates forms. Everyone has a smile on their faces. It saved all our problems. That’s what the new South Africa is all about,” said Brits.
Other pensioners described the registration process and the staff as “efficient and friendly”.
Jabu Dhlamini, the Deputy Director at RSSC, described the registration process as a success. The City offers different categories of pensioner rebates. Over and above pensioner rebates, qualifying pensioners can also receive the Expanded Social Package grant provided they meet all the qualifying criteria.
All pensioners who own residential properties and are 70 years old and above qualify for a 100% property rebate. They qualify for this rebate irrespective of how much they earn, but on condition that the maximum value of their property does not exceed R2.5 million. While the first category of pensioners who are between the ages of 60 – 69 years old also qualify for a 100% rebate, this is provided that their gross monthly earnings instalment is less than R11 305 a month. The property value may not exceed R2.5 million.
The second category of pensioners still between the ages of 60 – 69 years old, whose gross monthly earnings are higher than R11 304 but less than R19 377 a month; qualify for a 50% rebate. The property value may not exceed R2.5 million. The pensioner must live in the property and the property should be in their name to receive the rebate.
Written by Nkosana Lekotjolo
14/10/2022