​Packed to capacity, the Midrand Fire Station auditorium marked the start of the first Rates Policy review meeting in ward 132, Region A, on Monday, 27 January 2020.

This is a legislated process. The 1996 constitution of the Republic of South Africa empowers the council to impose rates on property.

The City is currently embarking on a series of public consultations City wide to allow all stakeholders to engage and have input and submissions for consideration when putting together the draft Rates Policy.

According to Pumza Jack, the City’s Rates Policy Specialist, the Council charges different rates for different categories of rateable property in terms of section 8 of the Act.  She said all rateable property will be classified in a category and will be rated based on the category of the property from the valuation roll which is based on the permitted use of the property, unless otherwise stated.

“Zoning plays a big role in how the City categorises properties. Residents are encouraged to check their zoning so that they are catagorised and charged right for their rates,” said Jack.

She said the City will not levy a rate on the first part of the value up to R350 000 of the market value as per the Valuation Roll, however, this only apply on residential properties. Sharon van Niekerk, a property owner in Grand Central, Midrand, said she appreciates the fact that the City considers their submissions, however, she is disappointed with the inconsistence that she is experiencing in her property. She says her property has been re-zoned three times in the past four years, leaving her with a huge debt.

“In 2016, my property was zoned as residential and I only noticed after I was sent a huge bill that in 2017 my property was zoned as business. I queried that and I was told it has been sorted, again in July last her I received another huge bill and I was told my property is re-zoned as business again and I am a pensioner I am not running any business on my property,” said Mrs Van-niekerk.

John Achkan from Glen Austin said he feels the City is pushing pensioners out of their properties. Rates continue to go up every five years while tariffs go up every year. On the other hand, the pension they thought would take care of them on retirement is running out.

“We thought we would die in our houses, however, we are forced to sell or leave our homes that we have lived in for more than 30 or 40 years because we can’t afford rates anymore. We urge Council to consider not charging rate to pensioners irrespective of the value of their properties or their age more especially those that have owned these properties for over 40 years,” said Achkan.

In response to the submissions, Jack emphasised the importance of zoning in guiding the City to charge property rates. She also welcomed the input and submissions by all the stakeholders.

She said the closing date for submissions is 11 March 2020 and she gave the email address to be used for further written submmitions (RatesComments@joburg.org.za).

Jack urged residents to come in their numbers as the City will continue with public consultations in Region A in the following areas: Ivory Park North Community Hall, Rabie Ridge Community Centre, Rivonia Recreational Club and Diepsloot Youth Centre.