• 1.   eThekwini Municipality, in its 2022/23 budget doubled the rates randage on vacant land. This increase was challenged by SAPOA, and the legal proceedings are ongoing. Over the past year SAPOA has had numerous discussions with the eThekwini Municipality to attempt to resolve the litigation on an amicable basis. Part of this engagement was a meeting of SAPOA’s CEO Neil Gopal together with SAPOA president Itumeleng Mothibeli met with a delegation of the eThekwini Municipality early in February to seek a resolution to the matter. SAPOA was requested to provide a position paper to the Municipality, which it duly did.
  • 2.   When the eThekwini Municipality published its draft budget at the end of March 2026, however, it was clear that none of SAPOA’s suggestions that were made over the past year have been implemented in the 2026/27 budget. The Municipality also failed to respond to SAPAO’s follow-up communication regarding the position paper.
  • 3.   Therefore, as a result of the Municipality’s clear lack of willingness to properly engage with SAPOA on this important aspect, we are considering our legal options at this stage.