The long queues and system downtime at regional customer service centres are the reason getting assistance in person from the COJ is challenging.
However, since these regional customer service centres provide essential services, finding the time to visit a centre during their office hours is seen as unavoidable.
Thankfully, property owners, buyers, developers, tenants, or business owners in Johannesburg, can reduce this frustration by opening a City of Johannesburg eServices account. This account allows you to access vital services and track the progress of your requests online, making it far more convenient than spending a weekday – during office hours – being shuffled from one desk to another, only to leave with the wrong form.
Everything You Need to Know About City of Johannesburg eServices.
If you own a property in Johannesburg, having access to this eServices platform will make dealing with the city easier. The platform is available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This allows you to manage rental properties or access pertinent information about your property even when you’re not in the city or can’t find the time to make it to a regional
All the Services Offered on The COJ eServices Website.
Although the eServices website is far more convenient than going to the customer service centre, only some services offered through the centres are available online. Many of the most frequently accessed services are available online. However, given that not all services are available online, it’s important to identify the services you can use. That way, you’re able to determine when going to a regional office is necessary. The following list will help you determine what services are offered by the COJ eServices platform.
Building Plans
Draughtsmen, owners, architects, and agents can better manage building projects by tracking the progress of the building plan through the eServices platform. You can track the progress of these plans by inputting the plan’s reference number, township name, and applicant name in the search engine available on the COJ eServices platform.
If you have further queries or need further assistance, you can also email Emmanuelmu@joburg.org.za.
Rates, Water, and Lights Statements
Using the COJ eServices platform, you can access online invoices – eStatements – for your municipal rates, water, and electricity bills. This way, you have immediate access to your statements, which will be emailed to you, and you can manage your account 24/7 from anywhere in the country or world.
Property Evaluations
Property evaluations are necessary to determine the amount you pay in rates. Because of the role it plays in deciding the cost of municipal rates; users can use the COJ website to view valuations, object to valuations, and request new valuations.
COJ Maps
For information relating to zoning, transportation, and tourism, users of the City of Johannesburg eServices platform can access COJ maps. To access these maps, users do not need to have a COJ account but will need to accept the terms and conditions before viewing or accessing any maps on the database.
How do I Register with the City of Johannesburg?
If you need to access any of the services mentioned above, you must register a City of Johannesburg account. The process is simple and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to complete.
Step 1: Visit The COJ eServices Portal.
Begin by visiting the COJ eServices portal and navigating to the prompt to register further down the page. Alternatively, once you’re on the eServices portal, you can click ‘Login’ on the right side of the screen and then click register beneath the login button.
Step 2: Complete the Online Form
You will then be redirected to the online form where you need to input your ID number, passport number or business registration number – if you’re registering as a business. You will also need to include your initials and full name and surname, followed by your contact details, email address, and username and password.
Your username should be between 6 to 10 characters and not include any special characters.
Step 3: Submit Your Application Form
Before you can submit your application, you need to complete a captcha challenge and accept the terms and conditions. Once that is done, you can access your COJ account using your username and password.
How to Open a Municipal Account with City of Johannesburg
Unfortunately, those who have purchased a new property or are in the process of purchasing a property will not be able to view and track the property’s eStatements until they have the rates, water, and electricity registered in their name. The COJ has expressed that owners and tenants cannot inherit existing water and electricity accounts from previous owners or tenants. Therefore, to register a COJ water and electricity account in your name, follow the three-step process detailed below.
Visit the Nearest Customer Service Centre
You cannot complete or initiate this process online. Instead, you will need to visit the closest COJ regional service centre. You can find a list of regional service centres using this link. However, before you travel to any service centre, be sure you have confirmed the opening times for the day you plan to visit and know whether the service you need assistance with is accommodated at that location.
Bring Supporting Documentation
To ensure this is a once-off visit, be sure you bring along the correct supporting documentation. To help you in this regard, you can find a list of supporting documentation requirements below.
Standard Supporting Documentation:
- Valid South African ID Document (and certified proof of your South African ID)
- Next of Kin Details
- Banking Details (proof of account)
- The Deposit Amount (in cash, cheque, or EFT proof)
For Properties That Have Not Yet Been Transferred:
- All the Standard Documentation
- Offer to Purchase Deeds Document
- Meter Number and Latest Reading
Developers or Buyers of a New Township or Sub Division:
- Standard Supporting Documents
- Separate Title Deed for your Stand
- Certificate of Occupation
- Surveyor’s General Diagram (which you can obtain from the developer)
- New Township Proclamation Notice (this can be obtained from the developer)
Submit the Application for the Supply of Water and Electricity Contract
Then once you have gathered the supporting documentation, you can make your way to the customer service centre. When you’re at the customer service centre, you will need to ask for an Application for the Supply of Water and Electricity contract. Fill in this form and submit it along with the necessary supporting documentation.
If you need any assistance or have any queries, you can contact the City of Johannesburg’s Call Centre on 0860 56 28 74 or contact them on social media @CityofJoburg on Facebook and @CityofJoburgZA on Twitter.
