Cofimvaba and Tsomo association lodges formal tariff objection

The Cofimvaba and Tsomo Ratepayers Association has formally objected to the Chris Hani District Municipality’s proposed 15% tariff increase for 2026/27, calling it non-negotiable and in breach of national guidelines.

The association submitted its objection following a statement by the mayor on 04 May 2026 that the increase was non-negotiable. The proposal is contained in the municipality’s 2026/27 Draft Budget.

In its letter to the municipality, the association outlined three main grounds for rejection.

First, it argued that the 15% hike exceeds the National Treasury’s CPIX inflation target of 3% to 6%.

“The proposed 15% is more than double of the National Treasury CPIX inflation target of 3 to 6%,” the association said. It added that the municipality failed to provide extraordinary justification for the increase given the current economic climate.

Second, the group said inefficiency and water losses should not be passed on to paying consumers.

“Inefficiency and water losses cannot be used to subsidize non-revenue water losses due to leaks and poor maintenance,” the letter stated. “Paying consumers should not be penalized for the municipality’s failure to repair infrastructure.”

Third, the association raised concerns over public participation. It said the mayor’s comment that the increase was non-negotiable contradicted the Municipal Systems Act of 2000, Chapter 4, which requires that public participation be meaningfully considered.

“A draft budget by definition must be open to revision based on community feedback,” the association said.

The group said it had dealt with the matters in detail in its letter to the Chris Hani District Municipality.

Chris Hani District Municipality spokesman Dr Sandiso Tyembile said the municipality is currently busy with IDP and Budget engagements with communities and stakeholders.

“These engagements allow communities and stakeholders to participate and give their input.

“CHDM on the “non-negotiable” part is misunderstood, the context seeks to stress that the tariffs have to be increased at least to reach cost reflective principle,” he said.

Tyembile said he process of public comments or any inputs on the proposed tariffs is still open until 23 May 2026.

“The percentage increase has not yet been finalized as engagement with key stakeholders is still ongoing,” he said.