By Bahle Gama
The Piggs Peak Town Council has issued a public notice reminding all property owners to pay their rates for the 2025/2026 financial year on time.
The rates cover the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, and are due on or before May 31, 2025.
The notice was issued in line with Section 27 (1) of the Rating Act of 1995, which gives the council authority to levy rates on land and property improvements, based on the approved Piggs Peak Urban Area General Valuation Roll.
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According to the council, rate bills will be delivered to property owners via their last known postal addresses by the end of April.
Those who do not receive their bills by April 30 are urged to contact the office of the Town Treasurer immediately.
Acting Town CEO Londiwe Simelane advised that ratepayers who are unable to pay the full amount at once can apply to pay in instalments. However, payment arrangements must be made before June 30, 2025.
“Ratepayers who had payment arrangements for the 2024/2025 financial year are also reminded to renew these agreements before the June 30 deadline,” said Simelane.
In terms of Section 30 of the Rating Act, ratepayers who fail to settle their bills within two months of the due date will be charged a penalty fee of 15 per cent per annum, calculated monthly on the unpaid amount.
The Council also reminded property owners to update their contact information, especially their postal addresses.
As per Section 37 (4) and (5) of the Act, new property owners must inform the council of their postal address within two weeks of acquiring property. Any changes in address must also be reported within two weeks.
Property owners can update their details at the council offices or through the Piggs Peak Town Council Facebook page.
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Simelane warned that owners who fail to submit their postal addresses by May 31, 2025, may have their names and outstanding rate balances published in local newspapers.
The Council emphasised the importance of paying rates on time, noting that the funds collected help support essential services such as road maintenance, waste management, and street lighting.
Commercial Properties
Developed Land 3.40 per cent
Improvement 1.14 per cent
Vacant 4.23 per cent
Residential properties
Developed Land 0.79 per cent
Improvement 0.55 per cent
Vacant 0.99 per cent
Commercial Residence
Developed land 2.46 per cent
Improvement 0.68 per cent
Vacant 3.19 per cent
Government Properties
Developed Land 5.23 per cent
Improvement 5.23 per cent
Vacant 5.75 per cent
