comments

David

Yes I do

Cost of living

Faheemah

Yes I do

Municipal collapse

Guy

Yes I do

Cost of living

Everyone is struggling to just get the essentials at the moment and new "taxes" just keep popping up out of nowhere. I guess if you want money from someone and they disagree and refuse to pay you, just call it tax and force it one them...

Marthinus

Yes I do

Municipal collapse

South Africans are facing an unprecedented economic crisis, with millions pushed into financial vulnerability and unemployment as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic and prolonged economic downturn. In these circumstances, expecting already struggling households to absorb further above-inflation increases in municipal rates and taxes is both unreasonable and unsustainable. It is imperative that government policies reflect empathy and practical support for citizens rather than compounding their hardship.

Despite the declining quality of basic services and worsening infrastructure, many municipalities continue to grant themselves generous salary increases and escalate rates beyond the means of the public. Stats SA figures confirm that local government spending has soared, mostly to cover rising employee costs rather than genuine improvements or maintenance of critical infrastructure. For too long, the financial burdens of mismanagement and inefficiency have been unfairly shifted onto ordinary residents and businesses.

The Municipal Property Rates Act, together with its guidelines, empowers the Minister of Local Government—with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance—to intervene when municipal rates prejudice national economic interests. Given the current national crisis and growing resentment among overtaxed citizens, a freeze on rate and tax increases is not just legally permissible but urgently necessary to protect the fragile economic recovery and social stability of the country.

Until the country recovers to pre-pandemic levels of employment and economic activity, halting further increases in municipal rates and taxes is a reasonable, compassionate, and economically sound course of action. It will provide essential relief to millions, incentivize municipalities to prioritize real efficiency, and restore some measure of public confidence in local government. South Africans need support, not additional burdens, as we collectively work toward recovery.

Bridget

Yes I do

Cost of living

We are drowning as it is, we can't survive, i am already under debt review .. this looting ans stealing needs to stop we are suffering because of it

Bridget

Yes I do

Cost of living

We are drowning as it is, we can't survive, i am already under debt review .. this looting ans stealing needs to stop we are suffering because of it

Marius

Yes I do

Service delivery

Marieta

Yes I do

Service delivery

a

Yes I do

Cost of living

GREED GREEED AND MORE GREED!!!!!!!!!! Time to STTTTOOOPPPPP!!!!!!!!
Stop taxing on taxes !!!

Shayne

Yes I do

Other