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South African Property Owners Face Unsustainable Rate Hikes
This briefing reviews the BusinessTech article https://businesstech.co.za/news/property/795923/alarm-bells-for-property-owners-in-south-africa-2/, highlighting the alarming increases in property, water, and electricity rates in South Africa over the past 15 years. The data reveals an unsustainable financial burden on property owners, with rates significantly outpacing inflation. Key Findings: Conclusion: The data paints a bleak picture for South African ratepayers. The combination…
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DA needs to get its act together
Roy Jankielsohn, the DA leader in the Free State province, has taken a hands-off approach to the alleged maladministration in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, choosing to defer responsibility to the mayor. When questioned about the matter, Jankielsohn stated that “the only person who accounts to [him] is the mayor” and that he had been…
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Best practices for municipal projects
● Early and consistent community engagement is crucial. Before starting a project, the municipality should meet with the community to discuss the project plans and address any concerns. This will help the community feel like they are a part of the project and are more likely to support it. ● Include the community in the…
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Trust Issues Related to Water Management in Gauteng
There is a significant trust deficit between residents and the government, particularly at the municipal level, regarding water management in Gauteng. This lack of trust stems from several interconnected issues: ● Perceived Inaction by Municipalities: Residents observe water leaks and infrastructure problems going unaddressed, fostering a belief that municipalities are not doing enough to conserve…
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South African municipalities are in dire straits
South African municipalities are in dire straits. Our municipalities are failing us. Many have failed and many more will follow suit. The rot within our municipalities is spreading. The most obvious reason is the glaring incompetence of municipal councilors. Our councilors are woefully unqualified for the complex task at hand. SALGA’s findings are damning: only…