KwaDukuza residents will face a lower-than-expected property rates increase after the municipality cut the proposed 6% hike to 3% in its final 2026/2027 budget.
KwaDukuza residents scored a rare victory against rising municipal costs on Thursday after the municipality adopted a final 2026/2027 budget that cut a proposed property rates increase from 6% to 3%.
The decision comes at a time when households across South Africa are battling relentless pressure from rising food prices, fuel hikes, and escalating living costs, making even small reductions in municipal increases significant for already stretched ratepayers.
The lower increase, which takes effect from July 1, followed weeks of public consultations, ward-level budget imbizos, and direct engagements between the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA), KwaDukuza municipal finance officials, and other civic stakeholders.
DOCRRA said the reduced increase was the result of sustained pressure and detailed submissions made during the consultation process.
