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Build One South Africa (BOSA) has launched a campaign to mobilise Capetonians to have their say on the City of Cape Town’s proposed tariff increases, warning that these hikes will deepen the economic strain on households and must be challenged.
The City’s draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year proposes steep increases in water, electricity, sanitation, and waste removal tariffs, along with new charges that risk compounding the cost-of-living crisis for millions.
BOSA is urging residents to read the draft budget, submit their objections before the 02 May 2025 deadline, and make their voices heard through public meetings and online submissions.
“These proposed hikes are not just numbers on paper,” says BOSA spokesperson Roger Solomons. “They represent real pressure on families who are already making impossible choices between food, transport, and school fees.”
Under the current draft, residential property rates are set to increase by 7.96%, water and sanitation by 7.3% and 11.1% respectively, refuse collection by 7.36%, and the household electricity connection charge by an average of 27%, far outpacing inflation and threatening already strained household budgets.
Additionally, the City has proposed two new tariffs: a city-wide cleaning tariff and a sanitation tariff, as well as changes to the water connection tariff based on property values.
While the City argues these increases are necessary to fund service delivery and infrastructure, BOSA challenges the assumption that residents must always carry this burden.
“We need a budget that puts people first,” says Solomons. “BOSA is calling for a budget that prioritises affordability, targets wastage, and ensures the City is doing more with less before turning to residents’ pockets.”
The draft budget remains open for public comment until 02 May 2025, and BOSA stands in support of the many civic and resident associations already raising the alarm.
“We cannot allow these increases to go through without scrutiny. We encourage every Capetonian to review the budget, ask tough questions, and demand a fairer alternative. Democracy is not a spectator sport. This is our city, and we must speak up,” Solomons adds.
Further ways to engage:
- View the full draft budget and submit comments on City of Cape Town website.
- Email feedback to budget.comment@capetown.gov.za by 02 May 2025.
- Attend public meetings at various sub-councils.
Media Statement by
Roger Solomons: BOSA Acting Spokesperson
Wednesday 23 April 2025
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551