Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Soret Viljoen
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tswaing has raised serious concerns after it was revealed that the municipality implemented a new municipal valuation roll for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030 without the legally required approval of the municipal council.
This unlawful action undermines the role of elected councillors, erodes public trust, and places the municipality at serious financial risk. Rates levied on this invalid roll may be subject to legal challenge, forcing the municipality into costly refunds, litigation, and potential adverse audit outcomes.
The DA has written to Acting Municipal Manager, Sello Maroga, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Johannes Mogoemang, and Mayor, Norah Mahlangu to urgently:
- Finalise the valuation roll in line with legislation.
- Table and adopt the roll formally in council.
- Correct incorrect billing to prevent further harm to ratepayers.
In terms of the Municipal Property Rates Act (Act 6 of 2004), only a municipal council may adopt and implement a valuation roll as the basis for levying property rates. However, in this case the roll was unilaterally implemented by the CFO bypassing the council resolution process.
It has also come to light that:
- The objection and appeal processes were never finalised.
- The roll was not certified by the valuer due to non-payment by the municipality.
Governance by decree cannot be tolerated. The DA will continue to fight for accountable, lawful, and transparent financial management to protect Tswaing’s residents from the consequences of reckless and unlawful actions.