It was a bittersweet moment for 83-year-old Juanita Solomon and her 76-year-old sister who finally received the title deed to the 16 plots of land which spans 6.5 acres, taken away from their parents during the Group Area Act. But with joy, came a form of disappointment after they were issued with property rates amounting in the thousands which were supposed to be rebated under land reform beneficiaries. Solomon’s parents owned the land 16 plots which spanned 6.5 acres along 11th Avenue and Leytonstone Road in Retreat 80 years ago.
Following an investigation by the Cape Argus, City of Cape’s Councillor Siseko Mbandezi, Mayoral Member for Finance said the property rates account would be reversed, stating the land reform beneficiaries cite that heirs be exempted 100% from property rates for a period of ten years. “The City of Cape Town’s Finance Department confirms that the property was registered at the Deeds Office on August 13,” he said. “An updated statement, as well as the resident’s monthly statements, will be issued to the resident.
“Accordingly, all property rates billings issued after this date will be reversed. In addition, a rebate will be applied with effect from the date of registration. “It is important to note that land reform beneficiaries, including their heirs, qualify for a 100% municipal property rates exemption for a period of ten years, commencing from the official date of property title registration.
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Juanita Solomons and Bernice Kallis ( sisters) standing on the land that was taken from them. “Thereafter, a phased-in approach applies, with property rates levied at 75%, then 50%, and then 25% in successive years, before reaching the full rate.” A year ago, Solomon, a former nurse, was accompanied by her grandson, Alfonso Solomon, armed with documents proving their ownership of the land, and sat inside Parliament before the Regional Land Claims Commission. She shared her heart-wrenching story in tears which was published in theWeekend Argus.
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