City of Johannesburg director of customer communications, Kgamanyane Maphologela, said the policy, which is reviewed annually, defines and categorises all properties within Johannesburg and allows the City to generate rates revenue by assigning a tariff to the property values obtained in the General Valuation Roll.
Maphologela said the rates policy review process for the 2016/2017 financial year will be done with consideration of the following factors:
- Recent interest rates hikes
- The resultant reduction in disposable income
- The current high cost of living
- A slowdown in economic growth
- An increase in property owners depending on social assistance and businesses requesting more rates relief.
Maphologela said, “We are mindful that our consumers and property owners are facing difficult times and, as a City, we are eager to engage our residents on a policy which will be sustainable, yet beneficial to all parties involved.
“We also need to ensure that tariffs are equitable and affordable to our residents – so it is in the best interest of all property owners to get involved and help us craft Joburg’s Rates Policy for the 2016/2017 financial year.”
He also urged residents to participate in the process by offering their suggestions and recommendations.
Residents can get involved by attending one of the rates policy public meetings listed below.
- Midrand Fire Station, corner First and Smuts streets on 24 February
- Diepsloot Youth Hall, Ingonyama Road, Diepsloot on 7 March
- Ivory Park North Community Hall 8712 Makhaya Drive, Ivory Park on 8 March
- Jabula Recreation Centre, corner Anne Street and Athlone Avenue, Sandringham on 3 March
- East Bank Hall, corner Springbok and Impala streets, Alexandra on 9 March
- Ernest Ullman Park Recreation Centre, 1 Alna Street, Gallo Manor on 10 March
- Hillbrow Recreational Centre corner Clarendon King George and Pretoria streets, Hillbrow on 29 February.
Residents were also encouraged to review the current policy available on www.joburg.org.za and submit their written suggestions or recommendations via e-mail to ratescomment@joburg.org.za or fax to 086 447 7567.
The public can also join the discussion on social media: Twitter @GroupFinance_ or Facebook: Joburg Group Finance. The deadline for all formal submissions is 15 March.
