GOOD news for pensioners in TWO major metros

Good news for the country’s embattled pensioners doesn’t come around often. So, when two of South Africa’s biggest metros hand them a break in the same week, it’s certainly worth celebrating.

That’s right, both Johannesburg and Cape Town have moved to ease the property rates burden on elderly pensioners.

Firstly, the City of Johannesburg has confirmed that current rates rebate recipients do not need to reapply for their benefit until 30 June 2027.

GOOD NEWS FOR PENSIONERS

Likewise, the City of Cape Town has pushed back the deadline for pensioners who still need to renew theirs. The deadline was originally set for the end of August 2026.

However, as that’s since rolled over, an extension to 30 November 2026, gives residents who haven’t yet reapplied some extra time to get their paperwork in order.

The aforementioned is tied to the rollout of the City’s 2025 General Valuation.

This requires every elderly rebate holder to have their eligibility reassessed.

Cape Town’s income bands dictate that pensioners and social grant recipients aged 60 and older, earning R10 000 or less per month, qualify for a 100% rebate.

While those earning between up to R27 000 a month are subject to a sliding scale from 10% to 90%.

Once approved under the new cycle, the rebates stay valid until 30 June 2029.

PENSIONERS IN JOBURG

“The City of Johannesburg is pleased to inform pensioner homeowners who are currently receiving property rates rebates that they do not need to reapply for the benefit during the current financial year,” confirmed the City. However, if you recently turned 60 the exemption doesn’t cover you. Any new applicant will still need to submit a full application, including valid ID documents with biometrics, through official City of Joburg municipal channels.

A reminder that the metro’s criteria for pensioners aged 60 and over is for property valued at a threshold of R1.5 million. Applicants must earn under R13 519 per month to qualify for a full 100% rebate. Anything up to R23 172 drops on a scale to 50%. For homeowners 70 and older, the threshold rises to R2 million, provided their municipal account is in good standing.

HOW MANY PENSIONERS BENEFIT FROM REBATES?

In pure numbers, the rates rebate programmes in the major metros is not small change:

• In the 2025/26 financial year, Johannesburg granted rebates to 38 308 elderly homeowners roughly R329 million in relief.
• Cape Town does not publish exact figures, however, its Integrated Indigent Assistance scheme has provision for 192 500 households.

But what do you think? Can such rebate schemes for pensioners be improved upon in your opinion? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …