Tag: Service Charges

  • 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…

  • Ndlambe rates and tariffs calculators

    The Ndlambe municipality rates and tariffs calculators can be accessed using the link With these calculators you can easily see what the charges on your municipal bill for the 2024/2025 financial year will be. Using the calculator from the previous year makes it easy to do comparisons with last year’s bill For purposes of illustration…

  • Ndlambe’s 2024/2025 Budget: A Disgrace

    Ndlambe Municipality’s proposed budget for the 2024/2025 financial year is a shocking display of either malice or incompetence. Both possibilities are deeply concerning. The budget includes significant increases in rates and service charges, far exceeding the projected inflation rate: These increases are particularly egregious given the National Treasury’s directive in MFMA Circular No. 126. The…

  • Ndlambe Municipality’s Electricity Price Shakeup: A Breakdown

    The Challenge: Understanding Ndlambe Municipality’s new electricity pricing system can be tricky. Their recent report (linked here) lacks a summary and is filled with technical jargon. However, deciphering it can be rewarding. The Goal: The municipality aims to make electricity charges “cost-reflective.” This means matching the actual costs of providing electricity with the fees charged…

  • Has the Ndlambe Council Lost Its Way?

    Notwithstanding the difficult financial conditions that Ndlambe ratepayers and residents have experienced over the last year, the Ndlambe Council led by Mayor Khululwa-Ncamiso has implemented the following year-on-year rate and service fee increases for the 2024/25 financial year: Furthermore, Mayor Khululwa-Ncamiso has indicated she will increase some of these fees in the next years. The…