The Western Cape High Court has ruled as unlawful and invalid certain fixed tariff charges (cleaning, water, and sewerage) in the City of Cape Town’s 2025/26 budget. Handed down in April 2026, the ruling declared these property-value-based charges unconstitutional and ordered them set aside from 30 June 2026, forcing a review of the City’s tariff structure.
Key Aspects of the Ruling:
- Case Details: The case was brought by the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and others against the City of Cape Town, focused on 2025/26 municipal budget increases.
- The Findings: The court found that the fixed charges (specifically citywide cleaning and fixed water/sewerage fees) were not lawfully implemented.
- Costs: The Court ordered the City to pay the legal costs of the applicants.
- Impact: This decision affects how municipalities set service charges, specifically banning the use of property value to calculate specific service charges.
This is a developing story with massive legal implications for Cape Town’s budg
Join The Discussion