Tshwane Metro enforces city cleansing levy despite public objections, pending court case
AfriForum considers it unreasonable and unacceptable that the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality continued with the implementation of the controversial city cleansing levy. This despite widespread public opposition and AfriForum’s pending court case against the Metro regarding the legality of the levy.
The Tshwane Metro this week continued to levy an additional R223,53 on residents’ municipal bills, which also includes an additional 15% for VAT. According to the Metro, this levy should only apply to individuals who do not make use of municipal refuse collection services. However, AfriForum has already received numerous complaints from residents still being billed for this levy, despite making use of the Metro’s services.
“Not only is the city cleansing levy being implemented despite widespread opposition, but it is also being levied on residents who already use the Metro’s services. It is clear that the Metro’s administrative capacity is lacking and that it is burdening residents even further rather than addressing the underlying causes of its budget deficits,” says Arno Roodt, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for Greater Pretoria South.
AfriForum will take the Tshwane Metro to court on an urgent basis next week to have the council’s decision on the implementation of the levy reviewed. AfriForum argues that no Pretoria resident should be affected by the city cleansing levy, which the civil rights organisation views as unfair double taxation. The case will be heard in the Pretoria High Court on 24 July.
Roodt says there is a possibility that law-abiding residents may have to pay for this levy without being aware of it. AfriForum therefore calls on residents to notify the civil rights organisation at www.betaaljyteveel.co.za if the additional levy appears on their accounts. AfriForum will use this feedback to further challenge the matter in court. Residents are also encouraged to lodge a complaint with the city council through the e-Tshwane platform.
