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 have successfully lobbied for a reduced property rates increase from 6% to 3%, providing much-needed relief amid rising living costs.
The municipality's final budget includes various measures to support vulnerable households.
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.
