City advises ratepayers about post-objection process for general valuation roll

The City of Johannesburg informs ratepayers about the process that will unfold after the inspection and objection period closed on May 5 for the general valuation roll (GVR2023).

The GVR2023 comprises 934 652 properties. The objections received totalled 42 053 and represented only 4,5% of the GVR. Of the objections lodged, the city finalised 13 000.

The city intends to finalise the objections by September 30.

Objections received by property category:

• Non-residential/non-business properties: 601

• Business and commercial properties: 9 454

• Residential properties: 30 362

• Vacant land: 1 636

The objection period is closed, so what is the next step?

The MVD on objections will be communicated to objectors and property owners if the owner is not the objector.

Kgamanyane Maphologela, the communications and stakeholder engagement director, advised, “The GVR2023 is a legislated process under the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA) in line with all its amendments. All objectors and property owners need to take note of key elements in the MVD.”

Should the outcome of the objection by the MVD be an adjustment of more than 10% upwards or downwards, the MVD is given to the Valuation Appeal Board (VAB) for review. The Appeal Board may confirm, revoke, or amend the decision.

Appeal process

To appeal a property MVD, the objector or property owner must first have objected to the property’s valuation during the objection period.

The municipal valuer’s notice will indicate the starting and closing dates to appeal. For a fee, you can request the reasons for the outcome.

An appeal to the MVD will be heard by a VAB, an independent board appointed as per the Municipal Property Rates Act 6 of 2004 as amended (MPRA).

A VAB will consider all appeals and objections when the value changed by more than 10%. The VAB is an independent body appointed by the MEC for Local Government. It comprises a legal representative with experience in the administration of justice and two or more professional valuers. The process for the appointment of the VAB is in progress.

It should be noted that all sittings and scheduling of appeals are managed by the VABs as per the MPRA and not by the city.

There is no cost for an appeal for the appellant. The appellant will be required to state why they did not agree with the valuation and what was considered the property value.

Evidence for this will have to be presented to the VAB. The appellant may be represented by a legal person, valuer, or a person of their choice. Any costs for the representation are for the appellant.

Maphologela said property owners should remember they must continue paying their property rates while objections are considered.

“Should an objection or appeal be amended, the city will adjust the valuation roll and account”, said Maphologela.

This complies with the MPRA. Property owners should also note that their municipal invoices will reflect the property value as per the GVR2023 from July 1.

The properties objected to will reflect the MVD only after the finalisation of the objection.

For enquiries, call the Joburg Call Centre on 0860 562 874 or visit www.joburg.org.za