The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) advises residents of the Johannesburg Metro to keep detailed records of any municipal account payments, as the Metro’s billing and payment system has been offline since 2 February.
Payments made by residents and businesses since 19 January are also not reflecting on account statements or the e-Joburg portal.
This administrative chaos underscores the Metro’s inability to effectively manage basic services.
Paying residents who are willing and able to meet their obligations are ironically being penalised by the Metro’s own system failure.
The Freedom Front Plus urges residents and businesses to protect themselves by keeping a thorough record of all payments made since 19 January, including proof of failed transactions as well as any correspondence with the Metro. This documentation will be of critical importance should the Metro later attempt to impose penalties, interest or credit-control measures based on the system’s errors.
Residents cannot be held liable for alleged non-payment if the Metro’s systems are dysfunctional. Any attempt to penalise consumers for circumstances beyond their control would be unfair and potentially unlawful.
The Freedom Front Plus insists that the Johannesburg Metro issue comprehensive and transparent communication to residents detailing the cause of the system collapse along with a clear timeline for when it is expected to be back online and an explanation of how payments made since 19 January will be credited once the system is up and running again.
Until this happens, no resident should be intimidated or threatened with consequences.
The Freedom Front Plus will closely monitor the situation and vehemently keep defending taxpayers’ rights in the City Council.
