Recent court decisions continue to shape the way municipalities fund services and implement property-related charges. A significant Western Cape High Court judgment has important implications for both municipalities and ratepayers.
The rapid growth of short-term rental accommodation continues to raise questions about how these properties should be categorised and rated. As municipalities seek greater clarity and consistency, the distinction between residential use and commercial accommodation is receiving increasing attention.
New valuation rolls and supplementary valuation activity continue across the country, making it important for property owners to review valuations and categorisations carefully when rolls are published.
Appeal backlogs continue across several municipalities, with a number of matters still awaiting hearings, objection decisions and board appointments.
The City of Cape Town is urging pensioners, social grant recipients, and registered indigent beneficiaries to renew their relief applications before 1 July 2026, when the new General Valuation cycle takes effect.
The City of Johannesburg has concluded a series of stakeholder engagement sessions aimed at providing residents, businesses, property owners and members of the media with greater insight into the approved 2026/2027 municipal tariffs and annual budget.
Residential property owners who are pensioners, or individuals certified as physically or mentally disabled are reminded to apply for the 2026/2027 Pensioners’ Rebate.
The Western Cape High Court has handed ratepayers a significant victory, declaring three charges introduced by the City of Cape Town in its 2025/2026 budget unlawful and invalid.
The City of Cape Town this morning issued a press statement, indicating that it will abide by the decision of the Western Cape High Court of 30 April 2026
The association argues this approach is unlawful, pointing to a previous Western Cape High Court ruling that struck down similar tariffs in Cape Town.
Mogale City has opened applications for the 2026/2027 Pensioners’ Rebate, offering a 45% reduction on property rates for qualifying senior citizens (60+) and disabled residents.
The White Paper is a system-wide reform document reviewing the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. Initiated by Cabinet in 2022 and publicly launched in May 2025, it draws on 266 public submissions, stakeholder engagements, and research papers.
The Western Cape High Court has declared fixed tariff charges in the City of Cape Town’s 2025/26 budget unlawful and invalid.
Submission of comments on the 2026/2027 municipal draft budgets are now open and you are welcome to view these draft budgets by clicking on the various municipalities below
The City of Johannesburg invites all ratepayers to join a public meeting to comment on the draft 2026/27 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), draft medium-term Budget, draft Rates Policy, draft Rates By-laws, proposed Rates Tariffs and proposed tariffs for trading services and other services from the public and any interested organisations in the City