Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Tjaart van der Walt and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng.
The City says property values increased by between 14% and 25%. But the budget shows that the total value of residential property increased by up to 49% since 2022.
A small 5% tariff reduction will not cancel out such a large increase. The extra R80 000 exemption also offers little real protection. The result is simple: residents will pay more.
The City’s own budget projects property rates revenue increasing by about 33%. Such a rise in a city with weak growth and low payment levels will burden residents, reduce payment compliance, and worsen Mangaung’s financial problems.
The DA calls on the Executive Mayor to:
- Commission an independent audit of the valuation roll.
- Explain the 49% increase in residential property values.
- Publish a clear breakdown of how different households will be affected and how the impact will be mitigated.
The DA also calls for a fair rebate system, as in Cape Town, where phased property-rate relief is provided based on income. In Mangaung, full relief is limited to those earning below R7000, with no additional relief for those just above this threshold.
While Cape Town limited increases to about 7% and protected residents with a 10% tariff reduction, Mangaung seeks a 33% property rate income hike, an excessive and unreasonable burden.
Mangaung’s plan burdens residents and risks reducing services and payment rates. A responsible budget should protect residents and support growth; this draft does neither.
Our call to the residents is to act now: submit a comment on the draft budget with specific, pragmatic proposals within the legal framework. Review the draft budget and tariffs on the Mangaung website and ensure your voice is heard.