SISTERS RECLAIM ANCESTRAL LAND

Win clouded by unexpected rates shock

- GENEVIEVE SERRA [e-mail]

IT WAS a bittersweet moment for 83-year-old Juanita Solomon and her 76-year-old sister who finally received the title deed to the 16 plots of land which spans 6.5 acres, taken away from their parents during the Group Area Act.

But with joy, came disappointment after they were issued with property rates amounting to thousands of rand.

Solomon's parents owned the land - 16 plots which spanned 6.5 acres along 11th Avenue and Leytonstone Road in Retreat 80 years ago.

Following an investigation by the Cape Argus, City of Cape Town councillor Siseko Mbandezi, mayoral committee member for Finance, said the property rates account would be reversed, saying that land reform beneficiaries legislation states that heirs be exempted 100% from property rates for 10 years.

“The City of Cape Town's Finance Department confirms that the property was registered at the Deeds Office on August 13,” he said.

“An updated statement, as well as the resident’s monthly statements, will be issued to the resident.

“Accordingly, all property rates billings issued after this date will be reversed. In addition, a rebate will be applied with effect from the date of registration.