The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini has submitted a notice of motion aimed at addressing concerns over the municipality’s property valuation process for 2026 (view motion here).
The DA believes that the current approach, which relies on area-based assessments rather than market value, is making it increasingly difficult and unaffordable for residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to contest property valuations due to the high fees associated with objections.
At present, property owners seeking to challenge the municipality’s valuation through a Section 78 query are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of R601. This fee presents a financial burden for many residents, especially those in vulnerable positions, such as senior citizens, state grant recipients, child-headed households, and medically boarded individuals. The DA believes this situation must be addressed by ensuring these individuals are not excluded from the dispute process due to financial constraints.
To make the process more equitable, the DA is calling on the eThekwini Municipality to implement the following exemptions:
– Senior Citizens: senior citizens that cannot afford should be exempt from paying the R601.00 application fee when disputing property valuations.
– State Grant Recipients: Individuals receiving any form of state grant, including temporary grants, should also be exempt.
– Child-Headed Households: Members of child-headed households should not be required to pay the fee.
– Medically Boarded Individuals: Those who are medically boarded should be exempt from the application fee.
– Properties Held in Trust: If the primary resident of a property held in trust is a senior citizen, state grant recipient, member of a child-headed household, or medically boarded individual, the application fee should be waived.
The DA’s motion calls for the executive committee to investigate the feasibility of implementing these exemptions and report back to council to ensure the process is fair, transparent, and accessible to all eligible individuals. This will not only alleviate financial burdens but also ensure the property valuation system is equitable, upholding the rights of the most vulnerable members of our community.
This initiative underscores the DA’s commitment to creating a fair and more inclusive eThekwini, where municipal services and processes are accessible to all, regardless of financial status.