The failure to transfer ownership of residential properties in Refilwe, near Cullinan, to residents means that they are not paying property rates, which essentially robs the Tshwane Metro of much-needed revenue.
An investigation by the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) revealed that around 10% of these properties are still registered in the Tshwane Metro’s name. A sample of 100 properties in Refilwe showed that 29 are still registered under municipal ownership.
While the current coalition government constantly blames the delay in issuing title deeds to the lawful beneficiaries on the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, the same administration is failing to take the necessary steps within its own jurisdiction.
It creates a distorted picture of the Metro’s asset register. Given that the properties are collectively worth millions of rand, they cannot legitimately be regarded as municipal assets. This also has implications for the Metro’s creditworthiness, potentially affecting its ability to secure loans.
The Freedom Front Plus calls on the Metro’s Property Department to urgently conduct an audit of properties in Refilwe to confirm rightful ownership and facilitate the collection of property rates, thereby strengthening the Municipality’s revenue base.
Regardless of the VF Plus’s recommendation that the necessary audit and corrective measures be carried out urgently, the current coalition government voted against the proposal while the DA abstained. In doing so, the coalition government revealed how little importance they attach to property rights within their own communities.
Freedom Front Plus Transport Policy: The FF Plus advocates for improved public transport systems.