​​The City of Cape Town has rewarded 48 of its tenants who reside in its rental and selling schemes for paying their rent. At an event held this morning, 30 August 2016, they each received R1 000 in shopping vouchers.

The winners are from Lavender Hill, Bonteheuwel, Parkwood, Belhar, Wesfleur, Bishop Lavis, Uitsig, Scottsdene, Heideveld, Valhalla Park, Leonsdale, Macassar and Manenberg, among others.

‘These tenants paid their rent for at least three consecutive months. They also face daily challenges and financial pressures but they show us that there should be no excuse for not paying one’s rent.

‘There are so many City tenants who, even though they have the money, refuse to pay their rent. There are even more residents who would gladly pay just to have a roof over their heads.

‘If you want to stay, you need to pay. If you can’t pay due to financial problems, we can make a plan. Come and talk to our housing office staff. The debt will not go away by itself and we offer comprehensive debt relief services,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Benedicta van Minnen.

The rental income that the City collects is used to maintain its rental stock, but low levels of rental payment and the large number of units that the City manages presents a challenge. The City has therefore started to categorise different types of maintenance issue according to importance. Emergency, structural, health and safety, and electrical issues have been classified as very high- to high-priority repairs, while medium- to low-priority issues include the repair of windows, ceilings, internal doors, locks and toilet seat replacements. Those who pay will be helped first with low- to medium-level repairs.

Debt relief is offered to residents who have a household income of less than R3 200 per month. They can apply for an indigent grant. Residents with arrears also qualify to take part in the draw for the shopping vouchers if they have made payments and adhere to payment arrangements.

Tenants who are in arrears with their rent are urged to seek assistance immediately by contacting their nearest housing office or by phoning Trace Online on 0861 99 77 77.

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