Enhancing Load-Shedding Readiness: City Customer Offices’ Temporary Closure and Alternative Solutions

As cities continue to evolve, it is imperative that they adapt to meet the changing needs of their residents. One such adaptation is the need for load-shedding readiness. In an effort to ensure continued services during load-shedding periods, the City of Cape Town has decided to temporarily close three City customer offices in Brackenfell, Strand, and Kraaifontein on Saturday, 27 May 2023.

Upgrades for Load-Shedding Readiness

During the closure, these offices will undergo essential installations of back-up power supplies, including generators, inverters, and photovoltaic (PV) solar installations. These upgrades will ensure that customers continue to receive uninterrupted access to essential services, even during load-shedding.

Alternative Solutions

While the temporary closure of these offices may cause some inconvenience to residents, the City has put in place alternative solutions to minimize disruptions. Customers can visit the Kuils River Municipal office as an alternative on the aforementioned date. Additionally, the City encourages the use of its e-Services platform, which offers a range of online options for various tasks and transactions.

Online Payment Options

In today’s digital age, many services are easily accessible online, making it simpler and more convenient to conduct transactions. Residents can choose from a variety of online and retail options for municipal account payments. Online payments can be made through various websites such as www.Easypay.co.za or www.powertime.co.za. In-person transactions can be made at retail partners including Checkers, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Spar, and Woolworths. Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) can also be completed by selecting the City as a bank-listed beneficiary and using the nine-digit municipal account number as a reference.

e-Services Portal

The City’s e-Services portal provides a comprehensive suite of online tools for residents, such as the ability to renew vehicle licenses, submit water and electricity readings, pay municipal accounts online, view account history, apply for accounts via email, and log service requests. To register for e-Services, simply visit https://eservices.capetown.gov.za/.

Third-party Service Provider for Fine Payments

Effective since 1 July 2022, the City has shifted its third-party service provider for fine payments to Pay@. Motorists can now view and pay fines and warrants online at https://www.paythat.co.za/, which includes fines predating 1 July 2022. Other electronic payment methods include card payments (VISA, Mastercard), EFTs (ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Capitec, Standard Bank), and Scan to Pay options (Masterpass, Snapscan, Zapper, FNB, Nedbank, ABSA). For those who prefer in-person payments, fines issued before 1 July 2022 can be paid at selected Spar shops, while fines issued after this date can be paid at various retailers like Ackermans, Builder’s Warehouse, Game, Makro, PEP, Pick n Pay, and Shoprite/Checkers Money Market kiosks.

The temporary closure of the three City customer offices demonstrates the City’s commitment to adapting and enhancing services for its residents. By investing in load-shedding readiness and promoting the use of online platforms, the City aims to provide uninterrupted access to essential services. Although the closure may cause minor inconveniences, the long-term benefits of these upgrades will be invaluable in ensuring the City’s resilience against future challenges.