RATES REPORTS ARE PREMATURE

The Christian Front (CF) is of the opinion that there is no need to go into a panic about huge rate increases in 2008 in the City of Johannesburg. Council purely took a decision on the implementation of the new system of determining rates increases. The motion was supported by all political parties in the Johannesburg Council.

Future rate adjustments have to comply with the Property Rates Act that was passed by parliament. Local Government is compelled to adhere to the provisions as contained in the Act.

Councillor Rudi Du Plooy expressed his discomfort with the Act because it opens a way that future property rates may be increased beyond an acceptable level.

Over and above that, there is still to be exhaustive public participation regarding the implementation of the new structure and possible rate increases.

The following Media Release was issued by the City of Johannesburg to allay fears in this regard.

Property Rates Act - Click here to learn more

The Municipal Property Rates Act Explained - Click here to learn more

MEDIA reports claiming there will be huge property rates increases in 2008 are “incorrect”. The City must still consult with residents before changes to rates are made.

Dec 22, 2006

By Anish Abraham

THE City has moved to allay fears of huge rates increases, following recent media reports claiming that it was to implement property rates hikes in 2008.

The reports, which explain that the rates rises are a result of a new property rates bill, are incorrect.

Virgil James, the communications specialist at the City, said that the council had only approved a date for implementation of the new rates, namely 1 July 2007, and had not yet decided on the change in rates.

“The Property Rates Act is also not a council policy document, but it is national legislation that all municipalities [must] adopt,” he said.

James said the media reports failed to mention that changes in rates in line with the Act would only be implemented once certain processes had been completed, including public participation and consultation.

“It is therefore unfair and incorrect at this stage for the media to speculate on what it will cost taxpayers prior to the City having even determined a tax base and a tax rate.”

The Act states that all properties must be evaluated, barring certain exclusions. This will result in a bigger tax base and a more equitable means of raising income for the City.

“Joburg will consider providing additional exemptions with regards to pensioners, non-governmental organisations and other clearly identified bodies,” James said.

Johannesburg reviews its property rates and tariffs each year during its budgeting and integrated development planning process, following extensive public participation.

The City derives 24,8 percent of its revenue from electricity, 20,7 percent from water, 20,7 percent from property rates, 20 percent from operating and capital grants, 3 percent from refuse removal and 1,4 percent from fines and licences.

“The administration believes it is important for residents to have a say in the affairs of the City. More importantly though, this is how municipalities generate income for sustained delivery of services, maintenance of infrastructure and undertaking of new developments,” James said.

MESSAGE FROM RUDI DE PLOOY

Dear Voter,

The Mayor of Johannesburg promised that he would make Johannesburg a ‘World Class African City’. That is exactly what we have. Johannesburg is, under the current ANC dominated Council, an outstanding ‘Third World City’ Johannesburg is so far behind in providing world class Emergency Services that the City falls short of meeting the requirements to host the 2010 World Soccer Cup. Our city needs a hands-on ‘First World’ political party that will pull it out of the mess it is in.

I am committed to turn this city around and I undertake to do just that. The CF will streamline administration; dead wood will be identified and dealt with. Nepotism will be rooted out and departments will have to achieve targeted management objectives.

The Christian Front (CF) has no desire to be a mere opposition party. Our medium term objective is to take over the governing role in the City of Johannesburg. This can be
achieved by forming partnerships with opposition parties. Parties who strive to achieve insignificant goals such as being the BIG opposition party may do so if that is all they
want to achieve. The CF cannot afford to play silly political games. The CF has a job to do and we are going to do it.

The only votes that will propagate disorder and chaos are;

1. Votes not cast
2. Votes for the ruling party

The empowering vote is –

A vote for the Christian Front (CF).

The Christian Front (CF) calls on you to partner with us, as we clean up the City of Johannesburg together. The CF will make every citizen proud of living and working in Johannesburg - a World class ‘FIRST WORLD’ city. We can do better than them.

We are Your choice – Your voice.
RUDI DU PLOOY