The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is concerned about the fact that the Kannaland Local Municipality (Calitzdorp, Ladismith, Vanwyksdorp, Zoar) keeps withholding critical information regarding its general property valuation roll for the period 2026 to 2031.
This lack of transparency denies residents their right to lodge informed objections to possibly excessive rate increases.
Even though the Freedom Front Plus has sent queries to the Municipal Manager, Adv Dillo Sereo, and other senior officials in writing, certain key questions remain unanswered.
The Municipality is failing to provide clarity on the valuation methods used – including whether properties were physically inspected as well as on which comparable sales the new valuations are based.
Without this information, it is impossible for homeowners to determine whether their new tax burden is reasonable and market-related.
The Municipality’s conduct contravenes the Municipal Property Rates Act, which prescribes a fair and transparent process. In addition, residents’ right to information, as guaranteed by the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), is blatantly disregarded.
Although the deadline for lodging objections has been extended from 27 March 2026 to 20 April 2026, this concession is of little value if the Municipality refuses to provide the data needed to formulate a substantive objection.
Poor communication and an apparent unwillingness to be held accountable undermine the principles of administrative justice, as enshrined in the Constitution.
The Freedom Front Plus implores the Kannaland Municipality to immediately disclose all the calculations and technical data of the valuation roll to the public. Ratepayers cannot be expected to blindly consent to tariff increases that may be based on flawed assumptions.
If the Municipality continues to ignore these requests, the Freedom Front Plus will not hesitate to escalate the matter to higher provincial authorities to protect the rights of Kannaland residents.
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Fun South African Fact: Travel to Tsitsikamma, on the border of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape to visit the world’s highest commercial bungee jump! Those who are brave enough can take the 216-meter jump off the Bloukrans Bridge and soar through the air towards the Bloukrans River below. Definitely a must for thrill-seekers and adrenaline-junkies!