TO BOYCOTT OR NOT TO BOYCOTT
Introduction
There are many ratepayers in our area who are j justifiably extremely angry with the Kouga Municipality and are accordingly considering a property rates boycott. They believe that our municipality is riddled with mismanagement, nepotism, corruption, and inefficiency; not to speak of the conviction that our rates are being squandered on such a scale that the municipality is palpably heading for a financial crisis.
The purpose of this newsletter is to put a proposed rates boycott in perspective.
On closer examination
Has service delivery truly deteriorated to such an extent that a rates boycott is unavoidable? When considering this question, prospective boycotters would be well-advised to take a few questions into account. To what degree should matters deteriorate before taking action? In other words, when is the right time for a rates boycott? Will it serve any purpose to withhold rates? Have all possible remedies been exhausted? Does service delivery still take place? For example, are our streets beyond repair; do we still enjoy the benefit of regular refuse and sewage removal; is our electricity and water supply fairly reliable?
What will the likely results of a rates boycott be?
When considering a rates boycott we must make an attempt to quantify the implications for both the individual ratepayer and the municipality.
We will have to analyse the profile of the tax base in order to determine how many ratepayers live elsewhere, how many would be prepared to institute proceedings against the municipality, and how many would simply not support such actions.
Moreover, we should take cognisance of the fact that the municipality can also take countermeasures against steps taken by ratepayers. How do we know that the municipality will not use our payments for service charges to offset rates payments that are in arrears? If this happens, the financial obligations with
regard to water and electricity supply
to home-owners and businesses could be viewed as being in arrears, with the result that services may be suspended. How do we feel about value-added interest? How certain are we that a court will agree that a boycott is justified? Can we afford extended law-suits while the municipality uses our rates to fight us?
Conclusion
Proponents of a rates boycott must ensure that they know what they want to
achieve and whether their objectives are attainable.
What is the solution?
Most ratepayers agree that something must be done. Should we toi-toi, burn tyres, obstruct road traffic, throw stones, sing, dance and make a noise to show our annoyance? Is it time to flee? Where to?
In my view it is high time that ratepayers openly demonstrate their dissatisfaction. They should write letters of protest to local newspapers. They should attend protest meetings in greater numbers. They should stand together, march together, act together. The municipality should see that they are extremely dissatisfied.
Clearly, unseating the ANC in the 2011 municipal election is by far the best solution. By the way, a delimitation process is currently in progress and will have an effect on some voters. One of the consequences is that they may have to register in another ward. Voters will receive more information in due course.
In closing
Please do not hesitate to contact me at nnf@telkomsa.net or visit the ward blog at http://jbayward3.blogspot.com .
Marietjie and I wish you a blessed festive season.
Best Regards
Nico Botha
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