Ratepayers mobilise against proposed Msunduzi tariff hikes

As the public participation process on the proposed Msunduzi rate increases draws closer, ratepayers’ associations are mobilising residents to reject the proposed rates for the 2025/26 financial year. Various associations under the Msunduzi Association of Residents Ratepayers and Civics (Marrc) have engaged financial experts to help them draft submissions opposing the proposed tariff hikes. Marrc chief executive officer Anthony Waldhausen said the campaign against the increases began with posts on its Facebook page and WhatsApp group, urging residents to attend the public engagement on February 10.

Waldhausen said the success of the campaign depended on residents attending in large numbers. “We had responses from several experts, mainly in finance, who came forward to form part of a task team working on the objection. “They will assist us with our submissions on the rates and tariff increases, as well as the Integrated Development Plan and the budgeting processes, as we will be making submissions on these too,” Waldhausen said.

He said the experts would also host workshops on the municipal budget with Marrc executive members to equip them for future engagements with residents and the municipality. Last month, the Msunduzi council approved its draft proposed tariff increases for the 2026/27 financial year. The Witness reported at the time that the City was proposing a 9,26% electricity tariff increase, subject to consideration by energy regulator Nersa, as well as 13% increases for water and sanitation.

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Tariffs for refuse removal, landfill sites, cemeteries, swimming pools, community halls, libraries, and fire and emergency services are set to increase by 3,7%. The municipality has also proposed relief measures, including a 40% property rebate for state and private pensioners, disability grant recipients, and child-headed households earning R6 108 or less per month.Other proposed increases include a 5,5% rise in housing tariffs and a 10,5% increase in municipal market rentals.

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