ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL RATING AREAS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
The City’s Economic Development Committee held a special meeting today, 23 February, where it approved recommendations for the establishment of five Special Rating Areas (SRAs) within the Municipality.
The proposals will now be tabled before the Executive Committee for further consideration and thereafter submitted to Full Council for final approval.
The SRAs aim to enhance safety, cleanliness, and the overall environment within specific residential, commercial, and mixed-use precincts through partnerships between property owners and the Municipality.
Proposed Special Rating Areas
* My Westbrook Beach UIP
* Hammarsdale Development Precinct UIP
* Cato Ridge Development Precinct UIP
* Mayville Business Ratepayers UIP
* MGM Community Forum UIP
Overview of Proposed SRAs
My Westbrook Beach UIP:
A predominantly residential area located in the northern part of the Municipality. This SRA seeks to revitalise North Beach Road by improving security, maintaining open spaces and roads, and strengthening collaboration with the Municipality over the next three years.
Hammarsdale Development Precinct UIP:
Historically an industrial hub, the area is now experiencing growth in light manufacturing and logistics. The SRA aims to enhance safety and aesthetics, making the precinct more attractive for investment and job creation.
Cato Ridge Development Precinct UIP:
Having transitioned from heavy industry to a centre for light manufacturing and logistics, this SRA will focus on improving safety and creating a welcoming environment for staff, suppliers, and customers, thereby supporting local economic development.
Mayville Business Ratepayers UIP:
Established in response to the July 2021 unrest, which caused significant commercial damage, this SRA formalises an existing voluntary security initiative. It aims to maintain a clean, safe, and attractive environment for businesses and investors. Membership is limited to commercial property owners.
MGM Community Forum UIP:
This area faces challenges including crime, service delivery issues, informal trading, and traffic congestion. The SRA seeks to enhance safety, cleanliness, and property values through collaboration between residents, property owners, and the Municipality.
All five proposed SRAs have completed the initial establishment process and met the procedural requirements outlined in the eThekwini Municipal Rates Policy.
Each achieved the required support threshold, with at least 66 percent plus one of residential property owners and 50 percent plus one of commercial property owners voting in favour.
The combined budget for the five SRAs is estimated at approximately R13.1 million for the 2026/27 financial year.
Funding will be raised through an additional rate levied on properties within the designated areas, in accordance with the Municipal Property Rates Act and the eThekwini Municipal Rates Policy.
These funds will be transferred to non-profit SRA management companies responsible for governance, financial management, and reporting, in line with King IV principles and municipal procurement policies.
If approved by Council, the Director of Revenue Management will implement the additional rate from the 2026/27 financial year, enabling the respective communities to implement the planned improvements.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.
