ETHEKWINI Municipality Mayor, Cllr Cyril Xaba, indicated during his 2025/2026 budget speech that a 6.5% increase had been proposed. Ratepayers and the opposition party, DA, are “totally opposed” to the hike.
Ethekwini Ratepayers Movement Protest (ERMP) demands immediate reduction in property rates across residential, commercial and industrial properties.

“EThekwini continues to charge the highest property rates in the country, with residents and businesses paying double the rates charged in cities like Cape Town, yet experiencing service delivery failures,” the movement said through its statement.

It further said, “The proposed 6.5% hike tabled for adoption will worsen the financial pressure on ratepayers. Every year this municipality increases rates to fund growing mismanagement, wasteful expenditure and bloated salaries bill.” The movement reiterates its call for oversight of the municipal budget and spending.

Also read: Ratepayers, opposition reject City R70b budget plan

“These rates contribute to various municipal functions, including but not limited to engineering services, public safety services, transport services, community and emergency services, human settlements, and economic development.
“With regards to rate rebates, we are proposing that residential properties valued up to R350 000 will be exempt from paying rates. All other properties valued above R350 000, there will be no rates charged on the first R120 000. A further allowance will be afforded on application to all residential property owners with a total household income of R4220 or less and with a property value of more than R350 000 and up to R650 000. Pensioners, child-headed households, disability grant recipients and medically boarded properties are exempt from paying rates, where their annual rates do not exceed the maximum rebate of R5290. A maximum limit of R2.5m in property value applies to the pensioners’ rebate. All other properties will be liable for tax less the rebate,” Xaba explained.

“The DA strongly opposes the unaffordable tariff increases proposed in the draft budget. Hikes in water, electricity, property rates, and sanitation fees will have a devastating impact on residents and small businesses. These increases are unjustified and unsustainable, especially in a municipality where service delivery continues to decline and where accountability is lacking. We reject any attempt by the municipality to silence the voices of those most affected by these decisions,” reiterated DA councillor Andre Beetge.

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