News & Updates

SEEKING TO UNDERSTAND THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN’S NEW CLEANING FEE

Aug 8, 2025

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Another property tax – oh no! I’ve just seen the new City-wide cleaning fee on my municipal account, pushing my monthly payment to the City up, again… and this just a few months prior to publication of the new General Valuation roll next year which will inevitably result in an increase in rates. Eina! 

As of 1 July 2025, The City of Cape Town has imposed a controversial City-wide cleaning fee on property owners. This is a new stand-alone charge, separate from rates and municipal services, to fund public cleaning efforts like litter removal.

The fee is based on the municipal valuation of properties in the City of Cape Town and will be a recurring monthly charge. The City is also undertaking a City-wide cleanup initiative, encouraging residents to participate and take ownership of their environment.

Here follows a more detailed breakdown of these new charges and initiatives:

1. City-Wide Cleaning Fee:

  • Purpose:

The fee is specifically for public cleaning services such as removing litter from parks, pavements, taxi ranks, and informal settlements.

  • Funding:

It is not tied to individual property usage but is calculated based on the property’s municipal valuation, according to TPN Credit Bureau.

  • Controversy:

The fee has faced legal challenges from organizations like AfriForum and the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA), who argue it may be unconstitutional.

  • Relief Measures:

The City has offered some relief measures, including reduced charges for properties valued under R20 million and a pensioner rebate, which will offer up to 100% off this charge.

2. City-Wide Cleanup Initiative:

  • Focus:

Encourages residents to take responsibility for keeping their environment clean and discourages illegal dumping.

  • Resident Involvement:

The initiative encourages residents to organize cleanups, participate in existing ones, and report illegal dumping.

  • Community Ownership:

The goal is to foster a sense of community ownership and pride in keeping the City clean.

  • Behaviour Change:

The initiative also aims to change behaviour regarding littering and to encourage recycling.

3. Legal and Financial Implications:

  • MTSRP Connection:

The cleaning fee is linked to the Metro Trading Services Reform Programme (MTSRP), a national initiative aimed at improving basic services.

  • Potential for Funding:

Properly managing cleaning services through the fee can make the City eligible for additional funding from the National Treasury.

  • Cost Recovery:

The fee is intended to help the City recover some of the costs associated with public cleaning.

  • Commercial Customers:

The City has provided some concessions to commercial customers regarding the new fee, allowing them to continue contributing through their electricity bills for the 2025/26 financial year.

So, time will tell whether the City is genuinely cleaning up, or simply cleaning us out!

 

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Yours in Conveyancing

Frank Holland