01 February 2006 MAYOR ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF THE DEADLINE FOR WRITE-OFFS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REGISTRATION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES SUBSIDY SCHEME The Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Amos Masondo, today announced that the deadline for writing off arrears associated with the Municipal Services Subsidy scheme would be extended to 31 March this year. Registration for the write-offs associated with the scheme was to have ended yesterday. Revenue Department spokesperson Mandy Jean Woods said the Executive Mayor had indicated in his speech to more than 1 000 people at Coronationville earlier today that the demand for subscription to the scheme supported his decision. Yesterday, several of the City’s revenue offices stayed open until midnight to register applicants to the scheme. "As late as 8pm and 9pm last night we still had hundreds of people at several pay-points still queuing to register," said Woods. The Executive Mayor said the Municipal Services Subsidy scheme was a "major incentive to poor communities in Johannesburg to relieve their burden of debts but at the same time create a new culture of payment." Any one wishing to apply should visit their nearest municipal Regional Office before the new deadline of 31 March 2006 and make application with all their relevant documentation, including SA identification book, copy of latest municipal account, affidavit from SAPS confirming employment status if unemployed; National Social Security Grant card (if a pensioner or receiving a disability grant); letters from SA Revenue Service confirming tax status; and a copy of a death certificate (where applicable). "We also want to appeal to our residents not to wait until the last day to register, but to go to their nearest municipal office as soon as possible to register," said Woods. ENDS Issued by: Mandy Jean Woods General Manager: Marketing and Communications Department of Revenue City of Johannesburg Phone: 358-3420 Fax: 358-3639