Residents petition against Cape Town's rate increases

AS THE deadline for public participation on the City of Cape Town's draft budget for 2025/26 approaches on May 2, the Noordhoek Ratepayers' Association (NRPA) is urging residents to sign a petition opposing the proposed budget.

- ERIN CARELSE

Initiated by the Cape Town Collective Ratepayers’ Association (CTCRA) - a coalition of more than 50 civic organisations — the petition has gained significant traction, particularly among communities in the Far South.

The petition raises concerns over the City’s proposed shift to fixed monthly charges for essential services such as water, electricity, sanitation, and cleaning. These changes are not only seen as unfair but may also be legally questionable.

Both the NRPA and the Fish Hoek Valley Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association raised the alarm earlier this month, warning that the budget’s structural changes could result in monthly increases of up to 30% for many households — especially those in properties valued above R3 million.