Oudtshoorn, 17 February 2025 – The Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality is making significant progress in its transition to paperless municipal accounts, with a growing number of residents registering on the Collab Citizen app and opting to receive statements via email. This initiative, which began in February 2025, aims to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and ensure residents have instant access to their municipal accounts.
Since the announcement, the municipality has seen an encouraging response, with many account holders successfully registering for digital statements. However, some residents have faced challenges with the registration process, particularly in updating their contact details. In response, the municipality has implemented various support measures, including step-by-step registration guides on its official Facebook page and in-person support at the municipal accounts offices.
Concerns have been raised regarding accessibility, particularly for elderly residents and those without digital access. To address this, the municipality has ensured that printed statements remain available upon request at municipal offices.
As indicated on your municipal account regarding reference amendments, all account numbers with less than 11 digits will be changed to 11 digits. These changes will be phased in over a period of time. Account Holders must always have their latest account number for payment purposes as these changes will impact the Payat reference as well as payments at Checkers, PNP, etc. The municipality wants to highlight the importance of registering on the Collab Citizen App to have the latest information at your fingertips as payment can only be made to a valid account number. The first phase of these changes has been implemented and will be affected on accounts payable on 10 March 2025. Residents are urged to please ensure they use the newest account number to make payments at third-party Vendors.
Looking ahead, the municipality plans to introduce SMS notifications for municipal accounts. This service is expected to launch in the coming months, once the update of mobile numbers is complete. To ensure they receive notifications, residents are urged to update their contact details via the Collab Citizen app, municipal offices, or by emailing accountenquiries@oudtmun.gov.za.
Consumers can now send information to WhatsApp ( 077 6075 910). Please take note that this number will only be used to receive contact information for clients. Please rephrase from sending any other information to this number. Consumers are requested to follow the prompt message and include all the relevant information as requested.
Additionally, social media uploads and SMS notifications will be used to remind account holders to register.
The Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality appreciates the cooperation of residents during this transition. By embracing digital solutions, the municipality aims to provide a more efficient, convenient, and environmentally friendly service.
For further inquiries or assistance with registration, residents can contact the accounts department via email at accountenquiries@oudtmun.gov.za or visit any municipal office.