Westville Ratepayers Association remains resolute after court ruling on rates dispute
Yesterday, the court dismissed the association's application to challenge rates charged from 2005 to 2008. The association claimed the municipality did not comply with all the relevant legislation.
The Westville Ratepayers Association chairperson, Asad Gaffar
Image: File Photo
The Westville Ratepayers Association (WRA) said they were "undeterred" by the Durban High Court’s decision to dismiss their application to challenge rates charged by the eThekwini Municipality, but were disappointed with the ruling.
Yesterday, the court dismissed the association's application to challenge rates charged from 2005 to 2008. The association claimed the municipality did not comply with all the relevant legislation, especially a piece of legislation that required the city to publish the rates promulgation in the provincial gazette. They further claimed the rates were therefore unlawful.
The municipality disputed this and said it had complied with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and published the promulgation in the gazette.
Asad Gaffar, chairperson of the WRA, said: “Although the WRA’s application to strike out certain contentious portions of the city’s answered affidavit was successful, it ultimately did not sway the result in the application. Despite the outcome in the application, we remain committed to championing good governance, ethical leadership, and curbing fruitless and wasteful expenditure."
Gaffar said their concerns remained unaddressed.
“The municipality's infrastructure continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate, with
water loss reaching a staggering 68%. The 2025/2026 budget is unrealistic, unachievable, and unaffordable. Public participation was inadequate, rendering the process a mere formality.
“We welcome the mayor's ‘open door policy’ and agenda for renewal, but actions speak louder than words. Ratepayers deserve transparency, accountability, and effective governance. We will continue to hold the city accountable and advocate for the responsible management of our resources."
He said the absence of a cost order against the association acknowledged the public interest in this matter.
“The outcome is neither a win for the city nor is it a loss for the WRA. To support our continued efforts and cover legal costs, we encourage people to consider contributing to our organisation. Together, we can demand better governance and ensure our city's resources are used effectively,” he said.