City still processing ‘high volumes’ of rebate applications

The City of Cape Town says it is working through high volumes of rebate applications and has thanked pensioners and social grant recipients for their patience.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Siseko Mbandezi, has apologised for the inconvenience caused to beneficiaries who are still waiting for their applications to be finalised, adding that teams are trying to process all outstanding applications as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, eligible residents who have not yet applied for pensioner assistance, whether for a renewal or new application, have until 30 November 2026 to do so.

Qualifying residents will continue to be charged in full until their applications have been approved. Once approved, the applicable credit will be reflected on their account, with benefits backdated to 1 July 2026.

The renewed applications came as a result of the General Valuation 2025, which meant all eligible persons needed to re-apply.

Once approved, the rebate will remain valid from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029. Qualifying residents need only renew their applications once every three years, in line with the City’s General Valuation cycle.

‘We know our pensioners and social grant recipients are eager to have their applications finalised. We sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding while we work through the applications. Our teams are doing everything they can to finalise all outstanding applications as soon as possible.’

Where to get application forms

Walk-in centres: Any walk-in centre
Website: Renewal: https://bit.ly/4cqXwG5 New: https://bit.ly/46ADBAX
WhatsApp: Renewals: Hello-RITA ADEI – Chatbox: send ‘Hi’ to 0600425572

How to submit application forms

Any walk-in centre
Email: rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za
WhatsApp: Renewals: Hello-RITA (ADEI) – Chatbox send ‘Hi’ to 0600425572

For more info: https://bit.ly/4gupbs6

Life rights

The City is also making pensioner rebate relief available to Life Right Holders of Sectional Title Schemes that are separately valued.

Residents older than 60 years and with a household income of up to R27 000 may be eligible for rates relief.

At a later stage, the same benefit will be made available to Life Right Holders in freehold properties once their properties are separately valued.