These new relief measures are said to range from property rate rebates and lower-than-expected rate increases to debt relief programmes, support for low-income households and pensioners, and major infrastructure and housing allocations.
With the 2026 local government elections drawing closer, municipalities across South Africa appear to be stepping up service delivery efforts, from repairing potholes and restoring water supplies to improving refuse collection and tackling long-standing billing disputes.
At the same time, another election battleground is emerging: the monthly municipal bill.
According to Grant Smee, chief executive officer of Only Realty Property Group, several municipalities across Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have introduced or expanded measures aimed at easing financial pressure on ratepayers.
"While it may be cynical to say these measures are being introduced purely to win votes, the timing is certainly convenient," said Smee.
