A group of ratepayers has lodged formal disputes against Lesedi Local Municipality over property rates they claim are based on an improperly implemented Municipal Valuation Roll for the 2024–2029 period.

The disputes, numbering about 70 claims, were filed on June 30 under Section 102(2) of the Municipal Systems Act and relate to municipal accounts issued to property owners.

According to the group, prior arrangements had been made with municipal legal and security officials for the submission of the documents.

However, they allege that upon arrival at the municipal offices, the legal department declined to formally accept the filings, while senior officials, including the Head of Corporate and Legal Services and the Manager of Debit and Credit Control, were unavailable.

The ratepayers maintain that all submissions complied with the municipality’s credit control and debt collection policies.

They further allege that they were directed by the Sheriff’s office to submit the documents to the municipality’s Records Department, which would acknowledge receipt and forward them to the relevant departments.

The disputes were subsequently submitted and acknowledged by a records official. At the centre of the dispute are property rates calculated on what the group describes as an “illegally declared” valuation roll.

They allege that the roll was adopted without proper public participation processes and has continued to be used in billing despite ongoing objections.

The group also referenced a recent court ruling delivered on June 29 in related proceedings concerning an application for leave to appeal.

While the court upheld its earlier finding of statutory non-compliance by the municipality, it noted that another court could reach a different conclusion regarding the appropriate remedy. Leave to appeal was granted, allowing the municipality to escalate the matter to either a Full Court of the same division or the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Heidelberg attorney Bouwe Wiersma said the disputes highlight the legal mechanisms available to affected property owners.

“Section 102(2) provides a clear process for ratepayers to dispute municipal accounts where there are concerns about legality or correctness. Until these issues are properly resolved through lawful processes, residents are entitled to protect their interests by lodging formal objections and following due procedure,” he said.

The ratepayers say the legal process could take between 24 and 36 months to be finalised.

In the meantime, they are urging property owners to continue filing disputes under Section 102(2) and to pay only the undisputed portion of their accounts, based on previous valuation roll figures, until the matter is resolved.