UPDATE: Westville Ratepayers Association undiscouraged by court’s decision
The association referred to the outcome as neither a win for the city nor a loss for the Westville Ratepayers' Association and vowed to continue advocating for the responsible management of the resources.
RESPONDING to a court decision that dismissed the Westville Ratepayers’ Association’s application regarding the municipality rates promulgation, the association said they are disappointed but undeterred.
WRA’s comment comes after the Durban High Court dismissed the association’s application to declare the rates charged for the financial years from 2005-2008 unlawful and not due to the municipality.
Although the WRA’s application to strike out certain contentious portions of the City’s answering affidavit was successful, it ultimately did not sway the result in the main application.
Despite the outcome in the main application, deputy chairperson Rose Cortes said they remain committed to championing good governance, ethical leadership, and curbing fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
Also read: High Court dismisses ratepayers’ association’s case against the City
Cortes said the municipality’s infrastructure continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate, with water loss reaching a staggering 68%.
“The 2025/2026 budget is unrealistic, unachievable, and unaffordable. Public participation was inadequate, rendering the process a mere formality.”
Although the association said they welcome the mayor’s open door policy and agenda for renewal, Cortes emphasised that actions speak louder than words.
“Ratepayers deserve transparency, accountability, and effective governance. We will continue to hold the city accountable and advocate for the responsible management of our resources.
“The absence of a cost order against the association acknowledges the public interest in this matter. The outcome is neither a win for the city nor is it a loss for the Westville Ratepayers’ Association,” Cortes said.
WRA appealed to the public to support the eThekwini Ratepayers Movement’s (ERPM) continued efforts and help cover legal costs:
Banking details:
ERPM
FNB
Account number: 63067502435
Branch code: 222126
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