Complex residents cry foul over new waste levy charges

Some Pretoria east residents living in residential complexes claim that they are being charged unfairly for the Tshwane metro’s newly implemented cleansing levy.

They argue that they’re already covering the cost through their complex’s bulk municipal refuse services.

The metro’s new cleansing levy officially came into effect on July 1, and requires residential account holders to pay R185 monthly, regardless of whether waste removal is handled privately or centrally by a complex.

Resident André Erwee, who lives in a security complex in the east, expressed concern and confusion over the charges reflected on his recent utility bill.

“You receive your account, and suddenly, in addition to your usual taxes and rates, there’s a waste management fee added, even though the complex already pays the city for refuse removal,” said Erwee.

“We’re essentially being made to pay for the same thing twice.”

Ward 83 councillor Andrew Lesch confirmed that he has received complaints from residents in similar situations.

“These are typically cases where the individual unit holders are being charged the new metro’s cleansing levy, even though the complex they live in already receives and pays for refuse removal services from the city,” said Lesch.

Lesch said while the frustration is understandable, there is a clear process in place for residents who believe they have been incorrectly charged.

“It remains the responsibility of each individual account holder to report discrepancies on their private municipal accounts,” he explained.

“However, before doing so, residents must first confirm that their complex actually uses the metro for refuse removal services.”

He advised residents to request a copy of their complex’s municipal account as proof that the complex is paying for the service.

Lesch provided step-by-step guidance on how to lodge a formal complaint:

– Send an email to customercare@tshwane.gov.za with the subject line “Complaint account number”
– Attach both the complex’s account (showing the refuse charge) and the resident’s own account showing the cleansing levy.
– Briefly describe the issue and request the charge to be reviewed.
– A reference number will then be issued.

“Once you have your reference number, send the same email with attachments and reference to other relevant city departments. Without a reference number, the complaint will not have legal standing, and there will be no tracking or follow-up from the finance side.”

The metro’s spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the metro is using billing data to identify accounts that are not currently billed for waste services.

He explained that, as part of a broader data verification initiative launched in October 2024, the metro asked body corporates and homeowners’ associations to declare who provided waste collection for their properties.

“In cases where no waste account was registered for a property, the city cleansing levy is now automatically applied,” said Mashigo.

“Exceptions apply to agricultural holdings and vacant land valued under R250 000.”

He added that the new cleansing charge is a legal surcharge supported by multiple legislative provisions, including both the Constitution and the Municipal Systems Act.

“The cleansing levy is not arbitrary. It’s a service-related tariff designed to help the municipality meet its constitutional obligation to maintain a clean and sustainable environment,” said Mashigo.

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