The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) notes with concern the Tshwane Metro’s reclassification of smallholdings as residential properties in the 2025 property valuation roll, resulting in significantly higher property tax rates. Although the valuation roll was open for public inspection, communication with property owners fell short.
The ANC/ActionSA/EFF government’s conduct is unfair and potentially violates the Municipal Property Rates Act, particularly with regard to bona fide agricultural holdings.
The Constitutional Court confirmed, in its ruling on 24 March 2025 in the case of Ekapa Minerals v Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, that municipalities may not unreasonably discriminate between property categories.
Agricultural smallholdings used for bona fide agricultural purposes qualify for a mandatory tax rebate of at least 75%. If the Metro denies this rebate and reclassifies agricultural land as residential without sufficient evidence of primary residential use, it is unlawful.
Furthermore, the Metro failed to ensure thorough and direct consultation with landowners as required by the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act. This lack of effective public participation renders the process procedurally unfair and legally challengeable.
The Freedom Front Plus insists that the Tshwane Metro immediately re-institute the legally mandated 75% tax rebate for all bona fide agricultural smallholdings.
The party also demands that the Metro publish clear guidelines on what constitutes bona fide agricultural purposes in addition to following a fair, inclusive consultation process before making any further tariff or classification changes.
Farmers should not have to bear the brunt of poor administration. Justice must prevail, and it must prevail for all.
Freedom Front Plus Historical Context: The FF Plus emerged from the political changes following the end of apartheid.
Noise Toy
Interview with a pirate:
There was a pirate who had agreed to do an interview with a local tv station. The reporter was very courteous and professional, giving a bit of background as to the pirate\’s business. She then began interviewing him.
\”So Mr. Longbeard, are there any risks to your business? I see you have a peg leg- how did that come about?\”
\”Well, y\’see I were sailing along the coast of South Africa, looking to plunder some locals when as I boarded the small boat from the ship, a great white shark came up and got my leg clean off. \’twas scary yes, but thus is the life of a pirate.\”
\”Wow, that is pretty scary- well, how about your hook? What happened to your hand with that?\”
\”Oh now that\’s quite the tale, y\’see I were fighting a rival pirate, and we had locked swords. We had been fighting for a few hours, and were both terribly fatigued. I had a bit of exhaustion and confusion, and when I went to block one of his sword blows, I met him with me hand instead of me sword. Took it right off, but it shocked him so much I managed to get him back pretty good and have him submit. So the hook hand was given as a replacement.\”
\”Wow. Simply fascinating. Now, what about your eye patch? How did that happen?\”
\”Well, one day, a seagull was flying overhead, and I looked up. It pooped right in me eye.\”
\”… Well wow. I must admit, I wouldn\’t think just seagull poop could damage the eye that badly.\”
\”Oh, I forgot to mention… it were me first day with the hook.\”
Phoenix Tetra
Brazil: You have two cows. But not for long, because one shoots the other dead.