Against City of Cape Town Over Tariff Hikes
Reporter – George April
Cape Town:- The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has declared its full support for the legal challenge launched by the South African Property Owners. Association (Sapoa) against the City of Cape Town. This comes in response to what the party calls “exorbitant and unfair” new municipal tariffs.
Sapoa filed an urgent application at the Western Cape High Court, seeking a judicial review and the setting aside of three controversial tariff increases introduced by the city on 1 July 2025. These include a new cleansing levy as well as fixed charges for water and sanitation, all tied to the value of individual properties.
According to VF Plus councillor Pieter Jansen van Vuuren, the party has opposed these tariffs from the start, warning that they are disproportionate and financially damaging for both households and businesses.
“The City’s decision ignores the severe economic pressure many residents are under. These charges unfairly burden smaller property owners and vulnerable individuals, contrary to the city’s claim that the wealthy will be paying their fair share,” Jansen van Vuuren said.
He added that the VF Plus voted against the city’s budget and will continue to support all efforts to have the tariffs overturned in court.
“Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis argues that this is a fair way to recover infrastructure costs from wealthier residents, but the reality is that it places a heavy strain on ordinary citizens and could even force people to sell their homes,” he said.
VF Plus is calling on the City to implement tariff structures that are fair, transparent, and economically sustainable — putting the needs of its residents first.
Contact:
Pieter Jansen van Vuuren
062 072 1665
VF Plus Official Website