Cape Town residents protest budget hikes

AS THE City of Cape Town prepares to table its 2025/26 municipal budget, the Cape Town Central Ratepayers’ Association (CTCRA) has accused it of sidelining residential stakeholders and pressing ahead with what they call steep and disproportionate rates hikes — despite a petition signed by over 10000 residents opposing the move.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

CTCRA Chairperson Bas Zuidberg said the public participation process was undermined from the start. “We requested an extension of 14 days to allow for broader public input, which was denied. To date, we have had no direct engagement with the City - only through ward councillors and the press,” he said.

Zuidberg warned that many residents — particularly those with properties valued between R3 million and R7 million — face increases in the high double-digit percentages, depending on their utility usage. “What's deeply frustrating is that the City made significant last-minute changes to the draft budget just three days before the deadline for comment, without any explanation or consultation. Ratepayers had no opportunity to respond to the full scope of these changes,” he said.

A major sticking point has been the introduction and structure of fixed service charges, especially the cleaning tariff. “The City has chosen a paternalistic approach: ‘we know what's best for you’. But the reality is that 25% of properties are now paying for 60% of services. That is neither proportional nor fair,” said Zuidberg.