The content on this page is not written by Rates Watch, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Rates Watch.
Written by Marvic Charles
The Western Cape High Court has declared fixed tariff charges in the City of Cape Town’s 2025/26 budget unlawful and invalid.
The judgment was handed down on Thursday by Judge President Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana, alongside Judges André le Grange and Kate Savage.
In its order, the court found that the charges imposed on ratepayers for citywide cleaning, water and sewerage in the 2025/26 budget are unlawful and invalid. The charges have been set aside with effect from 30 June 2026.
The court also dismissed the City’s counter-applications and ordered it to pay the legal costs of the applicants, including the costs of two counsel.
The matter was brought by the South African Property Owners’ Association (Sapoa) and AfriForum, who argued that the City’s tariff structure is unlawful, unconstitutional, and improperly linked to property values.
Sapoa sought to have the citywide cleaning tariff, as well as the amended basic water and sanitation charges, set aside.
AfriForum, meanwhile, argued that the City should not be permitted to use property values at all when determining fees, tariffs or surcharges.
Read the article here.