Namakwa District municipality (Hantam, Kamiesberg, Karoo Hoogland, Khai-Ma, Nama Khoi, Richtersveld) calls for public comment on proposed tariff increases, the draft budget and IDP
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- Proposed increases are available in the summary below
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This region is geographically vast but has a small tax base, which often results in municipalities following “Cost of Supply” ⚖️ studies to ensure they can maintain their infrastructure.
THE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS
Staff salaries 4.75%
| Property Rates 🏠 | Electricity ⚡ | Water 💧 | Refuse / San 🗑️ | |
| Richtersveld (Port Nolloth) | 6.0% 🚩 | 14.2% 🚨 | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| Khâi-Ma (Pofadder) | 3.7% | 14.0% 🚩 | 3.7% | 3.7% |
| Nama Khoi (Springbok) | ~4.5% | 12.7% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% |
| Karoo Hoogland (Williston) | 3.0% – 4.5% | 12.3% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% |
| Kamiesberg (Garies) | 4.9% | 12.0% | 4.9% | 4.9% |
| Hantam (Calvinia) | ~4.5% | 9.01% | ~4.5% | ~4.5% |
| Staff Salary Benchmark | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% |
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- The Richtersveld “Cost-Reflective” Jump (14.2%): Richtersveld’s proposed electricity hike is nearly triple the 4.75% staff salary increase. They cite a full “Cost of Supply” study as the reason for this jump to move toward overall financial sustainability.
- The Kamiesberg Uniform Hike: At 4.9%, Kamiesberg is the only municipality in the district proposing to increase service charges above the 4.75% salary raise for their staff across the board. This is a key point for public objection—why should the bill grow faster than the people managing it?
- The “Mining Belt” Buffer: Towns like Springbok (Nama Khoi) and Kathu (neighboring) are navigating the impact of mining on their property values. While rates stay near the 4.5% CPI mark, the electricity markups (12.7%) are being used to “cross-subsidize” departments that don’t generate their own income. 🚜
- Hantam’s Discipline: Hantam appears to be the most “middle-of-the-road” in the district, sticking to the NERSA-approved 9.01% for electricity and the CPI target for other services.
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