Object to the Draft 2025-26 budget for Cape Town

Comments

#1001

I do not agree with this increase

Hayley Montgomery (2025-04-23)

#1002

I do not agree with the budget

debi sunderland (2025-04-23)

#1003

The increase is beyond crazy.

Adéle Wagener (2025-04-23)

#1006

COCT already collects massive amounts of rates and taxes and also other levies. Very little of these monies make it back to these middle class neighbourhoods that they overburden with these. In my area we have a special contribution to maintain our own area on TOP of what COCT charges. The residents are tired of being milked dry by the DA's policies. These increases along with the last two years increases have cost a great many people a great deal of money and some even letting go of their properties. These rates and taxes are simple terms insane. Should they proceed with these I will support any civil organization that will take them on and start withholding rates/taxes and levies as were done in JHB when the municipality started charging extortion rates. I, and many others will no longer tolerate this

Louis Bernardo (2025-04-23)

#1007

The national and provincial governments continued to flog the same horse continuously squeezing more take from the same limited group of people. The law and tax only seems to apply to the formalised economy. Property values do not correlate with income and are also not in our control. No business or individuals should be subject to uncontrollable fixed costs to boost your coffers!! Enough is enough!!

Andrew Whitty (2025-04-23)

#1015

The increase is disproportionate. And unrealistic in the economy. What about the knock on effect of so many increases in one year? Vat and this?

Lindsay Thomas (2025-04-23)

#1016

I am a homeowner, single occupant in an apartment. The increase is excessive. In addition, it seems unfair that I have to pay the same cleaning fee as a household consisting out of a number of ppl. Same applies for water & sanitation charges.

JC Du Toit (2025-04-23)

#1022

The proposed monthly fees based on property value are disproportionate and unfair, particularly as they are not consumption based and therefore cannot be reduced by lower consumption for residents on a tight budget. I own a 34 year old unrefurbished property and l am retired on a fixed income. The municipal value of my property is artificially overvalued and has never been tested in the market. This value has no impact on my financial ability to earn more or increase my income and yet the municipality presumes that l am able to pay higher exhorbitant fees based purely on an artificial paper value they have thumbsucked. I believe there is a hidden agenda to forcibly remove retiree/pensioner property owners through financial bullying in order to get these long ownership properties into the market to cater for more affluent buyers with deep pockets to fund the bottomless money pit needed by the municipality to fund reckless overspending, money wastage, bonuses, top heavy administration, overpaid salaries, etc. My municipal account will increase by 36% based on the online proposed budget calculator compared to a projected 4.5% inflation rate. The 7.6% proposed rates increase in itself is outrageous. I have lived frugally my whole life and scrimped and saved to pay off my bond and invest so as not to be a burden on the State in my retirement and now l am expected to subsidise others! Furthermore how can the municipality create an artificial overvaluation on a property and then charge a fee on that fabricated value? Surely that is illegal insider trading. Enough is enough.

Patrick Daniels (2025-04-23)

#1023

Like many residents, I won't be able to pay for the increase which the city intends to implement. No public engagement means that nobody considered how this increase will affect the poor households. We already struggle with extremely high electricity tariffs which will also increase come 1 July 2025.

This again proves that the city doesn't work for the poor

Andre Manaul Hendricks (2025-04-23)

#1025

It's unfair to link fixed water & sanitation and the cleaning tariff to property value.
We already pay higher rates and taxes if our property is valued higher.
It's also not reasonable to use property rates to reduce electricity consumption tariffs.

Henry Fagan (2025-04-23)

#1027

Rip off of ratepayers

Ian Auret (2025-04-23)

#1031

Our property is over valued and the cost of living there has become unmanageable.

Wendy Reitz (2025-04-23)

#1036

I strongly object to the huge property rates increase. I am a pensioner with limited income and cannot afford this outrageous increase !

Hanne Sangiorgio (2025-04-23)

#1038

Unfair increases are forcing us out of our homes.
Already 3 families live in my ONE house because it's impossible to find reasonable accommodation.

Paula Joubert (2025-04-23)

#1039

This is a significant and fundamentally flawed structural change to city billing that increases my monthly bill by 20.4%, which is five times higher than CPI. I simply cannot let this pass unnoticed and I suggest a more lenient and phased approach to this outrageous increase.

Allister Thurman (2025-04-23)

#1043

I fully support the petition. While increases are necessary, these should be related to water and electricity usage, and NOT to the property price.

John Cornell (2025-04-23)

#1045

I am signing this petition because the proposed increases in the Cities budget is unaffordable. There is not way my household can afford these increases. The city is taking gentrification to the next level. We having been living in our area for nearly 20 years and would not be able to afford to buy here now. So the city is trying to force us to where, as we get older and near retirement. This is unacceptable and reflects the total disregard the City has for the real economic situation of households.

Tasneem Salasa (2025-04-23)

#1053

I already pay so much.

The suburb is already clean enough and the community already does so much to keep it clean.

I shouldn't have to pay more for services that the municipality is already suppose to render.

Ivan Kuit (2025-04-23)

#1055

I'm signing this petition because it's unfair for the new tariff for water/sanitation calculated according to the value of your property.

Lindie Lennox (2025-04-23)

#1060

These increases are totally one sided and are adding charges for items that should already be included

Terry Stiles (2025-04-23)

#1063

Budget not affordable for a pensioners like myself

Gerhard Louw (2025-04-23)

#1065

I object to the extremely high increase in rates due to the cleansing tariff linked to the value of one's property.

Jacquelyn Minchener (2025-04-23)

#1066

How do you justify opposing a VAT hike and then crippling ratepayers by imposing ridiculously high municipal rate increases?

Daniella Maher (2025-04-23)

#1076

I am signing this petition because I do not agree with the manner in which the increases are being implemented. The severely disadvantages higher priced properties and is not fair and equitable to all who live in the city.

Ryan Harris (2025-04-23)

#1077

I’m signing this petition because the increase is unrealistic, unsustainable and I cannot afford it.

Simone Verdoodt (2025-04-23)

#1078

I will not be able to afford these increases and they are unreasonable.

Damian Feuilherade (2025-04-23)

#1081

I’m signing because I’m very concerned that as ratepayers and homeowners we stand to lose our property due to unnecessary and unsubstantiated increases in rates and taxes

Gavin Cox (2025-04-23)

#1083

The increase of about 20% is way too high, it should be not above inflation rate and average salary increase

Hajo Kowalke (2025-04-23)

#1087

As a pensioner with a minimal monthly income, I am afraid that the new proposed increases in the budget will force me to give up my home as I do believe we will not be able to afford to make ends meet on the little my wife and I have to live on on a monthly basis.

Steve Culbert (2025-04-23)

#1088

The projected increase is absolutely crazy. We are pensioners and this increase will kill us!!
Also, please note that we asked the City if Cape Town to fix colapsed earth on our property about 5 months ago (due to them digging outside our property to fix pipes) and we are still waiting for them to come. What kind of service is this and now they want to raise the eates and taxes way out of proportion!!

Paula Cohen (2025-04-23)

#1090

The rates increase is untenable - 20% in one year is out of line with CPI and wage increases

Malinda Roberts (2025-04-23)

#1095

I'm signing because we're already struggling to get through the month as it is. Hiking costs will cause financial chaos and ruin. Salaries have not increased to keep up with inflation.

Rudy Kallis (2025-04-23)

#1097

The increases are unjustified

Oreste Nusca (2025-04-23)

#1098

I do not agree with the increase you are pushing onto us, fir a myriad of reasons

Richard Key (2025-04-23)

#1103

These increases are not affordable. As a pensioner on a fixed income, there is no way we can afford these costs. A lot of us bought our homes more than 30 years ago. The value of our homes has gone up but that doesn't mean we would be able to buy them now. So what happens to us? Do we end up homeless after working all our lives to try and retire without having to be a burden on the state? Well, there now potentially will be more of us applying for the SASSA grant

Karen Key (2025-04-23)

#1106

As a household where we already pay high income tax, where salaries do not even get increased at the same rate as inflation, we just cannot afford this ridiculous increase. This will place serious financial constraints on my household and this just feels like we're being punished for owning a house.

Melanie Pires (2025-04-23)

#1107

I am signing this petition because the proposed rates and tariff increases are unreasonable when compared to the current inflation rate in South Africa, which is just 3.2% (as reported by Stats SA in February). An increase of up to 30% on my monthly rates far exceeds what is reasonable for households to absorb. Like many residents, I am already facing rising costs across all areas of living, and these additional charges from the City will place even more pressure on my finances. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to manage expenses when municipal increases are so far out of step with inflation and economic realities.

David Pires (2025-04-23)

#1110

Rate suggestion may have severe long term consequences and even legal action. This proposal is not what we expect from City of Cape Town.

Julia Stoermer (2025-04-23)

#1112

These increases are over the top … nobody can afford to keep up with these increases especially at the % you are suggesting. And quite frankly we do not get the services to warrant this increase.

Penelope Beer (2025-04-23)

#1113

I own property in Vredehoek, and as a 1 income household find it impossible to pay highly increased rates, without the benefits of increased salary at the same percentage

Lemor Weiss (2025-04-23)

#1114

I have been a home owner here for over 30 hrs and this is pricing me out of my home

Tanya Allardice (2025-04-23)

#1117

I am signing because the proposed rate increase exceeding 20 % in my case is simply unaffordable in the context of other additional personal financial pressures from taxes and expenditures for services not rendered yet paid for by me indirectly on national , provincial and even municipal levels. If I am to continue to be a high paying citizen - I should be treated as a valued and respected contributor and the ask should be within reason . I believ it to be unreasonable

Paul Sass (2025-04-23)

#1118

These increases are ridiculously high.

Margie le Roux (2025-04-23)

#1122

This is blatantly unfair

Moegamat Nasiegh Latief (2025-04-23)

#1125

Total increase is unaffordable. I can't afford a 20%+ increase on total rates bill which is way above current inflation rate. I haven't even had a salary increase and I am sure most people don't get a 20%-30% salary increase. Cape Town is becoming unaffordable for the average person... only a city for the rich.

Derren Page (2025-04-23)

#1128

I object to the excessive increase in fixed chargesin the draft budget for 2025-2026. The Rates, water & sanitation and electricity and the new cleaning tariff are unacceptable. They are unfair, misguided and unaffordable. It is disgusting that the city thinks they can impose these extortionist charges on ratepayers who voted their party into power. Not again !!!!

Len Schaller (2025-04-23)

#1131

I find that I can’t afford it

Henry Scoble (2025-04-24)

#1133

I'm signing because I object to the draft budget rate increase for the 2025-2026 financial year

Shamsoodien Parker (2025-04-24)

#1134

We are as a retired couple, already stretched with cost of living rising dramatically.
We understand rate rises in accordance with inflation ,but the projected increases proposed are unrealistic. Council needs to find other means to raise funds for its proposed infrastructure upgrades.

Stephen Moreton (2025-04-24)

#1136

The increase is 3 times the inflation rate (and also over the past 3 year period). Taxpayers simply can't afford it anymore...and magnified by the current state of the economy.

Hendri Van der Watt (2025-04-24)

#1138

I am unemployed.
I am at retirement age.
I also have to look after my disabled sister who is dependent on my husband and myself

Coral Thorpe (2025-04-24)

#1139

I am close to retirement and a single income family also supporting a mentally disabled family member.
We cannot afford unreasonable additional taxation.

Kevin Thorpe (2025-04-24)

#1141

We are retired and battling to survive with all the price increases as it is. Instead of making it an easy property market for overseas buyers-The City needs to start looking after and to start preserving existing home owners. We deserve that loyalty!

Ronel Lipp (2025-04-24)

#1145

- This rates increase exceeds the inflation rate.

- The proposed fixed sanitation, water connection and city-wide cleaning charges are illegal as they should be determined by actual usage (pay-per-use) NOT based on arbitrary determinants such as property value, household income or this incumbent Council’s whims & fancies.

P.S. we can always vote in a new Local Government in 2026 if this one has lost the plot!

Kay Moodley (2025-04-24)

#1151

The City should list the priorities they wish to fund and the amount needed for each, plus specifically explain why National Govt are not responsible for the cost.

M.J. Scott (2025-04-24)

#1153

The increase is ridiculous and driving out long standing locals living here for rich foreigners

Nick Henshilwood (2025-04-24)

#1154

Unreasonable increases in fees is theft

Wesley Johnston (2025-04-24)

#1158

I object to obscene rate increases..

Martin Jones (2025-04-24)

#1160

We cannot afford this.

Bridget Davis (2025-04-24)

#1161

I have for some time felt that the City’s rates and other service charges are unnecessarily high. The current proposed increase in rates, and the new methodology of calculating charges with reference to property value, is simply unfair. Whilst some subsidization by wealthier residents is required, what the City is proposing is unsustainable and in many respects, regressive. People simply cannot be expected to pay for services on a basis that is divorced from their usage and that penalises them for responsible behaviour in limiting their consumption.

Adam Bekker (2025-04-24)

#1163

We don't get the services for our money. The infrastructure is old and not regularly maintained and the environment we have to live in is a health risk. Heavily polluted air, overflowing sewers, squatters, pollution and unsafe living conditions. Unfortunately the money we pay is not allocated back into our area.

Matt Weisse (2025-04-24)

#1165

I object to what amounts to a rates increase of 29.5% for me.

David Park-Ross (2025-04-24)

#1166

By my calculations my bill will increase by 25%, on top of consistent above 10% increases. The City doesn't care about residents' livelihoods or budgets, and only care about its ego. Make other plans to fund your budgets, please. Enough is enough.

Johann Dippenaar (2025-04-24)

#1168

The councillors have lost touch with the middle class. In the budget there are no cost efficiencies. Why would we need to spend R66 million as an example on an intersection in diep river that is fine. Concern we are stepping into a DRakenstein municipality situation.

Cherina Smith (2025-04-24)

#1175

Pensioner and unemployed .
We pay already more than our fair share.
We are already compromised by mass developments around us.

Lance Tollman (2025-04-24)

#1183

The unemployment rate is already high.
The crime rate is high.
People are starving.
Water prices, electricity cost are absolutely ridiculous. How do you expect the poorest of the poor to survive. If a person with an average wage can not cope.
You are robbing people of their dignity.

Rachelle Smit (2025-04-24)

#1184

I am a pensioner and cannot afford to pay these unrealistic rates.

Ingrid Kleu (2025-04-24)

#1191

I do not agree with the rate hikes as they are an affordable and unfair to residents.

Ivana Abreu (2025-04-24)

#1193

The budget and municipal account increases is unconstitutional, unjust and unlawful.

Proportion of increases - strangling your middle class. Flawed system ito comparisons.

The medium to long term consequences on the DA in terms of their future political support, the sustainability of Cape Town City from a commercial and financial perspective has not been thought through. The budget MUST be re-looked at and made equitable for all.

Tam Drake (2025-04-24)

#1195

We are all still struggling to get back to where we were before covid. Unlike other countries we did not get any financial assistance from the government. They cannot keep taking without giving anything back. They need to start looking after all citizens and not keep punishing those who contribute financially to the economy.

Eugenia Van Rensburg (2025-04-24)

#1199

Proposed billing changes are not usage driven and are excessive.

Richard Buttle (2025-04-24)

#1200

I live in a house that is 100 years old and the maintenance required to keep the house in good order deserves a rebate.

DEREK AURET (2025-04-24)



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