eThekwini Municipality wins case against ratepayers

THE Durban High Court has dismissed the Westville Ratepayers‘ Association’s (WRA’s) case against the eThekwini Municipality. The judgment was passed on October 27 in the case where ratepayers sought to interdict the City from disconnecting services of customers who had joined the rates boycott. 

The boycott was initiated by ratepayers following the tariff increase in July. This was after they objected to the increase in May. 

eThekwini mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the judgment is an important victory, not just for eThekwini, but for other municipalities, as well.

Also read: Ratepayers await judgment in court case with the City

“This judgment validates the stance of the municipality in this matter. It also confirms the view that ratepayers’ associations cannot take the law into their own hands and withhold payments that are lawfully due to the City. The City has consistently advised and cautioned residents to refrain from such action as it is unlawful. We hope that this court decision will act as a deterrent to such unlawful behaviour.”

Westville Ratepayers’ Association chairperson Asad Gaffer said it is a sad day for the association. 

“The aim was to rectify the issue of service delivery to the benefit of the community. The reality is, justice has not prevailed, and the municipality has not been held accountable. We have lost the battle but not the war,” he said. 

Gaffer said they will be meeting with their legal team to decide if they will be appealing the judgment.

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