Tshwane Metro suffers another blow over city cleansing levy; pay back the money, demands AfriForum
AfriForum is demanding that the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality immediately refund the money that has been unlawfully collected from Pretoria residents for the city cleaning levy over the past few months or face further court action. This appeal follows another blow to the Metro in court this week.
The High Court in Pretoria yesterday (18 November) took a strong stand against the Tshwane Metro through Acting Judge George Avvakoumides latest ruling. The court reaffirmed that the Metro’s controversial levy is unlawful and that the original ruling remains in force pending the outcome of the appeal process. As such, the Metro may not levy the tariff until the appeal process is concluded. The civil rights organisation is also opposing this appeal.
According to Arno Roodt, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for Greater Pretoria South, the latest ruling is a decisive victory won on behalf of the residents of Pretoria.
“A court order is normally suspended as soon as a party appeals against the order, but AfriForum has proven that the Tshwane Metro’s conduct is exceptional, unusual and unacceptable. AfriForum has also succeeded in proving that ratepayers will suffer irreversible damage if the Metro continues with the levy. The court has therefore ruled that the Metro’s appeal application has no suspensive effect. This means that the collection of the illegal levy must stop immediately and that residents who were already forced to pay it are now entitled to a full refund,” says Roodt.
According to the ruling, the Tshwane Metro not only disregarded the initial court order by continuing with the levy, but also intimidated residents with threats of service interruptions, legal action and debt collection. The court described the Metro’s actions as “unlawful”, “unusual” and a “direct breach of its constitutional duty”.
“This victory should send a clear message to the Metro: Pretoria residents are not alone because AfriForum stands ready to promote and protect their rights and interests,” adds Roodt.
AfriForum therefore calls on the Tshwane Metro to immediately:
- stop placing the illegal levy on residents’ accounts;
- refund all amounts collected in full;
- comply with the court order without further delay; and
- stop targeting residents with unlawful collection measures.
Residents are encouraged to check their accounts and notify AfriForum if the Tshwane Metro does not rectify this immediately. Residents can stay up to date on the latest developments in the case or send any queries in this regard to help@afriforum.co.za.
“AfriForum’s action has ensured that the residents of Pretoria are protected from municipal abuse. This case is not just about a tariff; it is about protecting the public from abuse of power and enforcing proper municipal governance,” says Deidré Steffens, AfriForum’s Advisor for Local Government Affairs.
AfriForum will continue to monitor the implementation of the court order and is ready to oppose any further unlawful actions by the Metro and other municipalities. Support the fight against this levy by joining AfriForum. Visit www.wordlid.co.za for more information.
