The Durban High Court ruled in favour of the eThekwini Municipality in a dispute with the Westville Ratepayers Association over a rates boycott.

ETHEKWINI Municipality won a significant victory when on 27 October the Durban High Court ruled in favour of the City in a dispute with the Westville Ratepayers Association (WRA) over a rates boycott. Over the past few months, the Municipality has been at loggerheads with the WRA in the dispute. 

The WRA sought to interdict eThekwini Municipality from disconnecting services of customers who have joined the rates boycott. The City remained firm on its stance that the boycott was unlawful and disconnected the services of some customers that withheld payment. The matter was heard at the Durban High Court and the WRA’s application was dismissed with costs. This means that residents supporting the rates boycott must pay for services, including penalties, interest, and a reconnection fee. Furthermore, where residents who have been disconnected are found to have illegal connections, the meter will be removed. 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the judgement is an important victory not just for eThekwini but for other municipalities as well. “This judgement validates the stance of the Municipality in this matter. It also confirms the view that ratepayer associations cannot take the law into their own hands and withhold payments that are lawfully due to the City. The City has consistently advised and cautioned residents to refrain from such action as it is unlawful. We hope that this court decision will act as a deterrent to such unlawful behaviour.” Mayor Kaunda added that the Municipality had always maintained that engagement with ratepayers associations was the most constructive way forward. “The Municipality has engaged and will continue to engage with ratepayers associations to find solutions to service delivery challenges.” The Municipality urges residents to continue paying their Municipal bills.

Where there are genuine financial difficulties, residents with debt 90 days and older can benefit from the Debt Relief Programme which is currently open and closes on 31 December 2023. Customers can visit any Sizakala Centre to make a payment arrangement. The Municipality thanks all customers who continue paying their Municipal bills. This ensures the delivery of services and the financial sustainability of the City. EThekwini commits to providing adequate services, prudently managing the Municipal purse, and taking action to stem wrongdoing.