Smallholding residents cry foul over property tax increases
Residents have banded together and submitted a petition to the Lesedi Local Municipality.
Residents of smallholdings in the Heidelberg, Springs, and Nigel regions are expressing their outrage over a massive increase in property taxes that has recently taken effect.
Many community members have reported a staggering rise in their property tax rates, with increases ranging from 500% to 800%.
Previously, agricultural properties paid tax at a ratio of 1:25, meaning only 25% of their value was subject to taxation.
However, effective July 1, without prior notification, the classification of these smallholdings changed to residential, with the tax ratio altered to a full 1:1.
A petition objecting to the increase has gained support from residents from Vaaldam, Hollgate, Bothasgeluk, Vischkuil, Devon, Endicott, Boschfonten, and Holgatfontein.
Spokesperson Morgen Uys from Hollgate submitted a petition to Phindile Mpemvu, speaker of the Lesedi Local Municipality, on October 29.
The petition, signed by Mpemvu, acknowledging the community’s grievances, highlights several critical concerns.
Notably, residents have pointed out their smallholdings are now classified as residential properties, disregarding their agricultural use. Many residents rely on their plots to grow food for sustenance or run agricultural businesses, and the new classification does not distinguish between agricultural and non-agricultural households.
“We all came as peace-loving citizens to hand over our grievances and trust that work will be made of the petition and to give us answers. We will take the issue further if we do not get answers,” said Uys.
Local Endicott and Vischkuil resident Costa Solomou echoed these sentiments, stating, “Some people cannot afford the steep increase in taxes. Many live hand to mouth, and this tax hike will force them out of the area or make it impossible to afford basic occupational costs.”
The petition included the following demands:
• The rating category for all smallholdings within the municipal borders be amended back to agricultural.
• All residents of smallholdings be allowed to object to the proposed change from agricultural to residential status. The staggering tax increases of 500% to 800% will severely impact every smallholding resident.
• Residents highlighted that they receive no municipal services, including refuse removal, sewerage, water supply, streetlights, electricity or road maintenance.
The crowd dispersed peacefully after the petition handover, but the community remains vigilant and determined to ensure their voices are heard.
As they await responses from the municipality, many residents are contemplating the future of their homes and livelihoods amidst these sudden changes.
