Pay your rates or else – mayor warns boycotters
eThekwini has warned that it is unlawful to withhold payments for property rates and municipal services.
THE court’s dismissal of an application by a residents’ association that is boycotting paying their rates should be a lesson to all others who are thinking of doing the same.
This warning was sounded by eThekwini Municipality mayor Mxolisi Kaunda at Illovo Glen on November 2, where he held a post-council meeting briefing. The warning to ratepayers comes after the Durban High Court on October 27 passed judgment on the matter between the municipality and the Westville Ratepayers’ Association (WRA).
Also read: eThekwini to deal with those boycotting rates
The association actively campaigned for eThekwini residents to stop paying rates in protest of poor service delivery. The association opened a trust bank account where all withheld funds were deposited.
eThekwini responded by cutting off services to those who were not paying for the services. The WRA then went to court to try to prevent eThekwini from disconnecting the services of customers who joined the boycott. The application was dismissed with costs.
In July, WRA chairperson Asad Gaffar was in Amanzimtoti where he spoke at a poorly attended meeting that had been called to try and get residents to join the boycott.
Kaunda said the judgment is an important victory, not just for eThekwini but for other municipalities, as well.
“This judgment validates the stance of the municipality in this matter. It also confirms that ratepayer associations cannot take the law into their own hands and withhold payments that are lawfully due to the City. The City has consistently advised and cautioned residents to refrain from such action as it is unlawful. We hope that this court decision will deter such unlawful behaviour,” he said.
Kaunda added that those who joined the boycott and had their services cut off will be investigated, and if they are found to have reconnected their services illegally, they will be charged accordingly.
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