The City of Cape Town has announced that it will stop sending printed municipal bills through the South African Post Office after 31 December. This forms part of its broader paperless billing campaign, which has already seen over 430 000 accounts sent via email.
A move toward digital convenience
Councillor Siseko Mbandezi, the Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, explained the decision as a push to modernise billing and improve efficiency.
“Emailed accounts also make it easy for account holders to keep track of their bills and use the accounts for proof of residence,” said Mbandezi.
The shift to emailed bills is part of a longstanding effort to reduce the environmental and financial costs associated with printing and postage. Residents can easily make the switch by emailing or sending an SMS with their account number and email address to the city.
Support for Those Without Email Access
While the City aims to transition the majority of accounts to digital formats, provisions have been made for those without email access. Residents can contact the City’s Call Centre to discuss alternative arrangements.
“Importantly, all account holders with no email access will be assisted, and they are advised to call the City’s Call Centre so that we know about them and can help them,” said Mbandezi.
The city emphasised that the move is about convenience and sustainability. Cutting down on printing and postage aligns with its goal of being a financially responsible and environmentally conscious organisation.
Deadline Approaches for Paperless Transition
Account holders must act before the 31 December 2025 deadline to ensure a smooth transition. Mbandezi highlighted the importance of preparing now.
“We’ve made a lot of progress over the years with reducing the number of bills we print and send via the postal service. However, we are stepping up our efforts to switch to emailed accounts.”
This transition comes amid growing uncertainty over the future of the South African Post Office, which has faced operational challenges and closures in recent years.
What steps can cities and municipalities take to ensure inclusivity and accessibility in the shift toward digital services?
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