The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is seriously concerned by the uncertainty surrounding pensioner rebates on municipal bills in the Ekurhuleni Metro.
Several elderly residents have received bills, due 11 August 2025, but the rebates they have already applied for and expected to receive have not been implemented.
The Freedom Front Plus formally enquired about the matter, but received no response from the Metro’s Finance Department. The only official feedback received from Ekurhuleni’s general finance and customer service states:
“The system was offline from 23 June to 7 July 2025 due to year-end processes, and the capturing of applications only began after the valuation roll was loaded. Due to the high volume of applications, there is a delay in processing. Approved applications will reflect the rebate on accounts between August and September 2025. Retrospective credit entries will also be applied accordingly.”
This delay is totally unacceptable. Pensioners are among the most vulnerable members of the community and deserve better service. The Metro has once again failed to ensure transparency, timely communication and proper administration.
This entire fiasco could have been avoided if the Metro had not compelled pensioners to reapply for rebates by 1 July.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep the pressure on until this matter is resolved and elderly residents receive their rightful rebates.
