HOEDSPRUIT – Residents of Hoedspruit are increasingly frustrated at rising municipal rates and taxes, yet are faced with deteriorating infrastructure and ongoing governance failures.

The Hoedspruit Concerned Rate Payers Association (HCRPA), registered in June 2024, stated in a report that property rates have surged sharply in recent years, with income from rates now making up 80% of the municipality’s own revenue for the 2025/26 financial year, according to data confirmed by the municipal chief financial officer.

This represents a 12% increase in four years, with property rates revenue doubling over the same period and climbing at 16% annually. Attempts to secure relief, including five consecutive applications to Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) for a reduced tariff, have all been rejected.

Stats SA figures show Maruleng Local Municipality’s dependence on property rates is nearly three times the national average. The HCRPA estimates that less than 5% of municipal spending benefits the town directly.

Illegal land occupation sparks concerns

Concerns have also intensified around illegal land occupation in the area, particularly within the Plastic View settlement. Despite summonses issued to five parties in 2024 and a Limpopo High Court interim order in March this year compelling enforcement action, progress has stalled.

The HCRPA has accused the municipality of submitting a flawed compliance report and failing to act, even after a recent fire exposed the hazardous conditions in which residents are living. The association is now considering further legal steps to ensure law enforcement and the protection of vulnerable occupants.

Another contentious matter resurfaced with the revival of the Berlin Portion 39 development proposal, which seeks to introduce 405 residential units.

An earlier Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was withdrawn in late 2024 following objections from HCRPA-appointed legal advisers.

A new EIA process was launched in July, and the HCRPA has again registered as an affected party, saying it will oppose any development that does not comply with environmental regulations or threatens Hoedspruit’s ecological sensitivity.

Sewage spills highlight failing infrastructure

The report says service delivery concerns extend to water and sanitation, where repeated sewage spills and infrastructure failures have affected Southern Cross Schools, Zandspruit, Raptors View Wildlife Estate, and nearby ecosystems.

Following an intervention prompted by the HCRPA, the Department of Water and Sanitation ordered repairs to a wastewater transfer station in Leguaan Street, and criminal cases have been opened against several Mopani District officials.

The HCRPA is now pushing for a public-private partnership to stabilise the area’s water and sanitation systems and continues to participate in interdepartmental meetings aimed at securing a long-term solution.

For more on HCRPA, email hoedspruitcrpa@gmail.com.