Ethekwini Municipality Malfeasance

On my latest rates bill dated 16/07/22, there is an increase of a whopping 64% on the market value of my property resulting in a rates increase of the same. Any person with a semblance of knowledge of the property market will know that the values of properties have substantially depreciated due to our current economic climate.

I followed all the necessary protocols way back in February 2022, when I filed an appeal with Objections and Appeals and followed that up with a general valuation appeal to The Valuations Roll, detailing the reasons for objection with substantiating documents. I received acknowledgements of receipt from both stating that "The matter has been referred to the Municipal Valuer for consideration" and the other was "Please note that your objection will be assigned to a Valuer for investigation and an outcome letter will be posted on completion of investigation". No Valuer has been here to valuate the property.

Yet, without the evaluation, they took a unilateral decision to increase rates by 64%. This is an abuse of power. Yesterday, I wrote to the Valuation Roll to question this. Than this was their reply. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Val Roll Wed, Jul 20, 1:36 PM (23 hours ago)

to me

Good day

As there is no guarantee to your value being adjusted to your requested change, interest will be charged for any shortfall payment on your account

Below is an extract from the Mercury Newspaper

Mayisela said to date no objections had been processed and finalised as they would only be processed after July 1, 2022, when the system goes live for the new general valuations and associated billing.

He said those who had lodged objections were still expected to pay the charged rates come July.

He said this was in terms of section 50 (6) of the Municipal Property Rates Act, which says: “The lodging of an objection does not defer liability for payment of rates beyond the date determined for payment

Regards

Valuation Roll Team

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Translated it means that they can do as they please. How on earth did they arrive at an increase of 64%? Which anatomical part of their body did they pull these figures from? This is abuse of power, malfeasance, *******ion and financial misconduct. Gathered from reports in the Daily Papers, there is massive mismanagement and *******ion in the Municipality. So, my understanding based on this is that they are trying to replenish their coffers by any means possible, to cover the monies ******.