​2006-11-07: New City Processes

City introduces new processes for clearance certificate applicationsRead More
MEDIA RELEASE

7 November 2006

City introduces new processes for clearance certificate applications

The City has introduced several new processes aimed at improving the provision of figures for Clearance Certificates.

A Clearance Certificate is a legally required document that must be issued by a municipality when property is transferred from one owner to another. The Certificate indicates that the account of the seller of the property has no outstanding municipal charges on it, as per Section 118 of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act No.32 of 2000.

The City receives between 5 000 and 10 000 Clearance Certificate requests every month. Says Mandy Jean Woods, spokesperson for the Department, "We have found that while we are able to clear upwards of 90% of all the requests we receive within 30 days, some requests cannot be timeously processed because of problems with the account itself. From 1st September we will require customers to resolve their account issues before we will accept a request for a Clearance Certificate. They can do this by logging a query with Joburg Connect on (011) 375 5555. If an application is not correct, we will then refer it to the relevant Municipal Owned Entity for correction," says Woods.

"All applications for Certificates must also come with all the required information. A large number of the applications we receive have insufficient information," confirms Woods. "We will be issuing letters to customers and their attorneys indicating the problem and asking them to resolve it before we accept the application."

Woods says these new processes are aimed at improving the service to customers. "We appreciate that Clearance Certificates are a vital element in the buying and selling process within the City, and we are sure these new processes will help to provide a speedier service."

Ends

Issued by
Mandy Jean Woods
Acting Director: Customer Communications
Revenue & Customer Relationship Management
City of Johannesburg

Tel: (011) 358-3420
Fax: (011) 358-3639
Cel: 082 553 4211 (please send sms if urgent) E-mail: mandyw@joburg.org.za