Cape Town ratepayers challenge rising municipal costs amid housing inequality

Cape Town ratepayers and civic groups claim that rising property valuations and municipal tariffs are worsening affordability. Bas Zuidberg, chairperson of the Cape Town Collective Ratepayers’ Association, warned of an approaching rates-affordability crisis exacerbated by valuation increases. He noted that the portion funded by ratepayers is set to rise from 68% to 72% over the next three years, leading to an average annual increase of about 10% for ratepayers.