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It has come to the City of Tshwane’s attention that residents, especially in Region 5 (Cullinan, Rayton and surrounding areas) and Region 7 (Bronkhorstspruit and surrounding areas) need more information and explanation about the City’s rating of vacant properties.

It must be brought to your attention that the erstwhile Nokeng Tsa Taemane and Kungwini municipalities did not make provision for separating vacant and developed stands and therefore both these categories were treated the same and received 35 % rebate prior to 1 July 2011.

In terms of the City of Tshwane Property Rates Policy which came into effect on 1 July 2011 vacant stands do not qualify for any rebate as in the case with developed stands. The reason behind this is to encourage development.

In compliance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA), 2004, and the duly approved City of Tshwane’s Property Rates Policy for the 2011/2012 financial year, ratable properties within the City boundaries that are vacant, except agricultural properties, are accordingly classified under a property category determined as “vacant land” for the purpose of levying different rates, as provided for in terms of Section 3(3)(b)(i) of the MPRA.

A rate levied on this category of property, is determined by the Municipality during its budgeting process for the financial year concerned. It should be noted that any relief mechanisms provided for in the City’s Property Rates Policy in the form of rebates, reductions or exemptions, unless it is agricultural vacant land, do not apply to the property category “vacant land”.

It should also be noted that a property categorised as such, cannot be rated according to its “permitted use” or “zoning” in terms of the Municipality’s Town Planning or Land Use Scheme, in terms of the Property Rates Policy.

Those residents, especially from the former Metsweding municipalities, whose properties are viewed as vacant stands, would be rated accordingly and retrospective adjustments will be affected to the account with effect from 1 July 2011.

In the event of any property being incorrectly categorised, the owner should contact the Municipality by means of an e-mail to sherryh@tshwane.gov.za or by telephone on (012) 358 8377, to have the discrepancy investigated and the necessary remedial step instituted.