We shall have to see if the changes are legally questionable - I think the court might decide differently. And, remember, the city did respond to all the responses they got in the public participation process and changed their original budget proposals substantially. Reading all the comments here, it seems that many of the objections are that this rating and billing system is, in effect, a wealth tax rather than an income tax without enough protection for people on a fixed income whose wealth has grown on the back of the growth in the value of their property.
Comparing June 2025 with September 2025 (same number of days) and taking out the variables (water, refuse,sewerage) our total to pay CCT has risen by 22.5%. We have lived in the same house for 31 years and my wife and I are now in our late 70’s. We hoped to enjoy our later years after working so hard to pay off the house, now we may be forced to move elsewhere because of the nonsensical billing by CCT.
UPDATE. Hello everyone! This is Sune Payne, a journalist with Daily Maverick who is looking into this important issue. Thank you to everyone who has sent us responses, they are all valued.
On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that the court case hearing will not be heard on 17 and 18 September as expected. This comes as the judiciary has decided to join the case launched by the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) with the separate case launch by Afriforum, which both relate to fixed charges and link to property values.
Now both matters will be heard in December 2025.
Daily Maverick will continue to follow the developments of this story. So please feel free to still send us your bills and increases.
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Bought and rebuilt home in 2009. 80 and 83 years old. Medical expenses now very hard. Bond paid. Taken 17 years. That makes little difference. Pensions as good as we have managed to do. Rates go up and up. And what a frightening world we are living in. Daily increases in EVERYTHING. Sell the house and go to retirement place. Would be very difficult.
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