Story: Nikilitha Burns
Mayor of Sakhisizwe Local Municipality, Cllr Boniswa Ponoshe, held a community meeting today at Cala High School with residents of California township to discuss issues related to the payment of municipal rates.
During the meeting, Mayor Ponoshe reminded residents that in 2021 they had submitted a petition requesting that their land be registered. She said the land registration process has since been completed, which now makes it possible for residents to start paying rates and taxes on their properties.
She explained that for a long time, it was difficult for California residents to pay municipal rates because their land was not registered. Now that the process is finalised, the municipality and the Chris Hani District Municipality are working together to assist residents in understanding their responsibilities and to find ways to make payments manageable.
Mayor Ponoshe said the municipality is aware of the economic challenges faced by many households and assured residents that the municipality is willing to meet them halfway. She emphasised that paying rates is important as it enables the municipality to improve service delivery, maintain infrastructure, and provide essential community services.
She concluded by urging residents to cooperate with municipal officials and to take advantage of available assistance programmes that can help those who are struggling to make payments.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both the municipality and residents agreeing to continue working together to ensure progress and accountability in California Township.
