Cape Town ratepayers challenge rising municipal costs amid housing inequality
Cape Town’s affordability debate is intensifying as residents face rising rates, tariffs and property valuations, with ratepayers warning that the growing cost of running the city is being shifted increasingly onto households.
Cape Town ratepayers and civic groups have expressed concerns over the increasing municipal costs and property valuations, placing a growing financial strain on households. The City of Cape Town defends its relief measures, claiming to have the lowest overall municipal costs among South Africa's major metros. However, Bas Zuidberg, chairperson of the Cape Town Collective Ratepayers’ Association, warned of an impending rates-affordability crisis, citing the Municipal Valuation Roll results and increased property valuations.
The association believes the city is neglecting affordability issues, with a projected 10% annual increase in ratepayers' costs, excluding further valuation rounds. A recent court ruling found the City's 2025/26 fixed charges for water, sanitation, and citywide cleaning unconstitutional, as they linked tariffs to property value rather than consumption.
Donald Lewis, an Eerste River resident, highlighted how escalating rates are disproportionately affecting the poor, middle class, and overall cost of living. Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Siseko Mbandezi, defended the tariff structure, stating that Cape Town provides the highest rates relief and widest pensioner and indigent benefits among the country's five biggest metros.
He claimed households could save a significant amount on property rates, even with higher property values, and emphasized the city's affordability compared to other urban centers.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
