Political parties show support for ratepayers

THE Westville Ratepayers’ Association (WRA) rate boycott has gained momentum as political parties have shown their support. The WRA, along with other ratepayers throughout Durban, have embarked on a boycott to pay rates. This comes after the tariff increase that was announced in April this year and initiated in July.

The WRA has written in a series of letters objecting to the increase, saying procedure was not followed as there was minimal community engagement about the increase. An urgent meeting was called by the City with ratepayers in May this year. The ratepayers continued to object to the increase, leading to a boycott demanding action from the City. The ratepayers have also said they are willing to further this to protest action.

Also read: Ratepayers boycott paying rates after tariff increase

The momentum has reached other communities, such as the Waterfall and Hillcrest, and the next meeting is coming up in Amanzimtoti.

Parties stand in solidarity with ratepayers

Among the other parties that have shown their support to the ratepayers is the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). In a media statement, the party said they note with great concern the increasing calls by ratepayer bodies and civic movements for a rate boycott in eThekwini.

“The IFP fully supports any project that promotes accountability of public office bearers and public funds and promotes the democratic right citizens possess to practise peaceful forms of protest. It is our view that this rate boycott is a sign of such protest – against the unilateral and draconian political style practised by the ANC and their alliance partners,” they said.

They further highlighted the consequences that come with the boycott action, saying the action might have come at an earlier time.

Also read: Ratepayers continue to object to tariff increase

“Equally, we are alive to the fact that such a boycott will have irremediable ramifications for the management of the city and its infrastructure, and, therefore, places the City in an infinitely precarious position. From this vantage point, we believe that while a rate boycott seems to be a fitting form of action, the timing to impose such a feat could be considered premature.

“We have observed the efforts made by civic bodies to inform residents of what are the legislative requirements for such an undertaking in order to participate in this boycott, but we fear that not enough has been done to educate residents on the consequences of failing to abide by the obligatory framework for such action,” they said.

Alan Beesley, ActionSA eThekwini Caucus member said they empathise with and understand the frustrations of the various Ratepayers’ Associations calling for a rates boycott.

Also read: Ratepayers’ association clean up New Germany

“The impacts of a rate boycott are extremely serious, and as such, ActionSA calls on the mayor and those in leadership to urgently meet with the various ratepayers’ associations that are calling for a rates boycott. With current service delivery at an all-time low, the municipality cannot afford to have a rates boycott which will further impact service delivery,” he said.

The Democratic Alliance also came forth with their support for the ratepayers saying they stand in solidarity with hard pressed ratepayers at large.
“It is unacceptable that people are being asked to pay for services that they do not receive,” they said.

This came after the Party held a Provincial Executive Committee meeting at the weekend to discuss growing issue.

WRA responds

Ratepayers accepted the support and addressed concerns of awareness of the consequences of a rate boycott.

“We wish to reiterate that all necessary measures and due diligence have been taken by the WRA to ensure that all legal principles are adhered to, and whilst we concede some of the areas may be grey – this determination can only be made in a court of law. We are resolute in our decision to engage the judiciary to seek remedy to our dysfunctional city and administration, and are encouraged by the growing support to this initiative,” they said.

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