Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Regarding the recent assets sold by the Stellenbosch Municipality:
- Whether the Stellenbosch Municipality sold these assets for market value; if so, can a list with prices attached to asset sold be made available;
- whether the community was consulted before the blue water meters were installed by the municipality; if so, (i) what are the relevant details and (ii) when did it take place;
- whether the water meters are SABS-approved; if so, what are the relevant details;
- (a) what are the reasons for so many people in Stellenbosch having sky-high rates and taxes on their municipal bills and (b) how many Stellenbosch residents have lodged complaints regarding their rates and taxes bills after the blue water meters were installed?
The following response was received from Stellenbosch Municipality:
The Municipality is unable to provide a proper response as the question is too vague. More details to be provided on the required information.
2.(i) Community members and Ward Councilors are engaged before the installation of Water Management Devices. There are also community meetings and pamphlets distributed. Sometimes there is resistance from residents who either have illegal connections, tampered meters, or are overusing the service and not paying for it.
2.(ii) The pamphlet is shared with residents before and at the time of installation of the Water Management Device. Refer to the attached typical notice/pamphlet, which explains the devices well.
The notice/pamphlet is also published on the municipal website:
- The water meters are SABS approved. Please find below an excerpt of the specification of the devices:
“C11 Residential/Domestic Water Management Device:
The unit must have a certification of conformance in terms of the following specifications:
- SANS 1529-9:2008 published by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications in terms of the Trade Metrology Act (No 77 of 1973); and
- The STS Association confirming compliance with IEC 62055-41 IEC 62055-51 and Eskom Reference Q 32DDTEDS/334.”
4.(a) In terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and National Treasury guidelines, the municipal tariffs must be cost reflective in order to ensure the financial sustainability of the Municipality and the continued provision of services. The tariffs for the 2025/26 financial year were developed on this basis.
As required by law, the proposed tariffs were subjected to the budget public participation process. During this process, no negative comments were received regarding the proposed tariff increases. Council thereafter approved the tariffs as part of the 2025/26 budget.
The assertion that rates and taxes in Stellenbosch are “sky-high” is therefore not correct. Tariffs are benchmarked against the actual cost of delivering services, aligned with applicable legislation.
Furthermore, Stellenbosch Municipality’s tariffs are comparable with those of neighbouring municipalities and are not out of line with regional norms.
4.(b) With regard to the installation of the new “blue water meters,” the Municipality has received a limited number of service-related queries, which include billing concerns. At present, the Municipality is in the process of recording and categorising these complaints to ensure accurate reporting. The total number of formal complaints relating specifically to rates and taxes bills after the installation of the meters is being verified and will be communicated once finalised.
The Municipality remains committed to compliance with the MFMA, transparent financial management, and engaging with residents to address any service or billing concerns in line with the applicable legislation and policies.
