The Tshwane Metro refuted claims that there has been a widespread reclassification of smallholdings from agricultural to residential land use.

This comes after the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) raised serious concerns regarding the process of reclassification, citing that the reclassification of smallholdings was done without transparency or proper consultation.

FF Plus councillor Grandi Theunissen said during the latest Tshwane Metro Council meeting, the FF Plus asked Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya to provide clarity on the matter, citing financial and legal implications for affected landowners.

Theunissen said many residents had contacted the party after discovering that their smallholdings were reclassified without consultation.

“This decision has far-reaching financial, procedural and legal implications for landowners and the metro itself,” he said.

Theunissen added that the FF Plus had submitted a series of formal questions to the mayor, including how many smallholdings were reclassified, what criteria were used, and whether any physical inspections were conducted before the changes.

“The administration’s silence on the matter is unacceptable. Residents deserve transparency and answers,” he stated.

He said the party further raised concerns that the city has not yet responded to a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application submitted by FF Plus councillor Nick Pascoe on June 6, seeking access to documentation related to the reclassification process.

However, metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the city’s official records indicate that the number of agricultural properties has remained largely unchanged between valuation cycles.

“On the General Valuation Roll of 2020 (GV2020), there were 18 000 agricultural categories, and on the General Valuation Roll of 2025 (GVR2025), there are 18 020. This means there have been no category changes from agricultural to residential properties to date.

Mashigo explained that Tshwane’s classification system is guided by the Municipal Property Rates Act, 2004 (Act No. 6 of 2004), as amended. It is also guided by the associated Municipal Property Rates Regulations on the Rate Ratio between Residential and Non-Residential Properties, published in Government Gazette No. 32061 on March 27, 2009.

He explained that these regulations define which properties qualify as agricultural and which are considered residential, depending on primary land use.

“The city noted that smallholdings used for residential purposes fall under the residential category, while those actively used for farming or agricultural activities remain classified as agricultural.”

According to Mashigo, property owners who can prove active agricultural use may request a re-categorisation, which could be applied retrospectively from July 1, following a municipal inspection or verification.

Mashigo confirmed that the PAIA application is under administrative review to ensure that the requested records are accurately verified and processed.

“The city reiterated its commitment to transparency and compliance with all statutory requirements governing access to information.”

According to Mashigo, the public is informed during the Annual Public Participation process of the Rates Policy.

“Section 49 notices are sent to property owners in line with the MPRAA via ordinary mail, and where an email address is provided, the notices are sent via email. It is important to note that in terms of Section 27 1(A) of the MPRAA, property owners liable for rates must furnish the municipality with an address where correspondence can be directed.”

Mashigo said the city also acknowledges receipt of Councillor Pascoe’s PAIA application.

“The matter is currently under administrative review to ensure that the records requested are accurately verified and processed in line with the provisions of the Promotion of Access to Information Act.”

Mashigo added that the city is engaging the relevant departments to finalise the compilation of the response, after which the applicant will be duly notified.

“The city remains committed to transparency and full compliance with all statutory requirements governing access to information.”

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