Court ruling: Westville Ratepayers Association loses rates case against eThekwini Municipality
The association claimed that the municipality did not comply with all relevant legislations, more especially a legislation that required the city to publish the rates promulgation in the provincial gazette.
eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba
Image: File Photo
The Durban High Court has dismissed the Westville Ratepayers Association's (WRA) application to challenge rates charged from 2005 to 2008, affirming the eThekwini Municipality's compliance with legal requirements
The application was brought against the city by the WRA.
The association claimed that the municipality did not comply with all relevant legislations, more especially a legislation that required the city to publish the rates promulgation in the provincial gazette.
The municipality disputed this and said it had complied with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and published the promulgation in the gazette.
Reacting to the judgment today, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, said the municipality welcomed the judgment as it demonstrated the city’s commitment to conduct its business within the framework of the law.
“Residents must rest assured of our commitment to run a clean, accountable and transparent administration. I strongly believe in the constructive resolution of disputes and that if residents are not satisfied with the manner in which the municipality runs its affairs, my door remains open for engagements,” said Xaba.
The WRA was not available for comment at the time of publication.