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Tshwane Property Rates Row Heats Up Over Illegal Settlements Like Kleinfontein
Tensions are rising in the City of Tshwane as the Democratic Alliance (DA) accuses the ANC-led coalition of failing to fairly charge property rates on illegally zoned developments, including the controversial Kleinfontein settlement. The DA alleges this inaction amounts to selective enforcement and financial mismanagement.
At the heart of the dispute is Kleinfontein, an Afrikaner-only settlement whose municipal valuation was recently increased from R21 million to R291 million — a change that will see its monthly rates bill soar from R50,000 to over R2 million.
But the DA claims Kleinfontein is just one of 19 illegal settlements that have, until now, largely escaped proper billing. Others include Leeufontein and Moshate Gardens, which together comprise around 19,500 properties not being charged rates and taxes.
During a recent council meeting, the DA proposed a motion to assign value to these illegally zoned properties. However, the motion did not reach the floor for discussion.
“The city is enforcing punitive rates in some cases, like Kleinfontein, while allowing other illegally zoned areas to continue without paying rates,” said DA Tshwane spokesperson on finance, Jacqui Uys. “There is no consistency, and this puts a strain on city finances.”
Earlier this month, Eyewitness News reported the drastic valuation increase for Kleinfontein, sparking further debate about fairness and selective governance in Tshwane.
Objections to the City of Tshwane’s general valuation roll must be submitted by 2 May.
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Sourced:EWN
