Tshwane might have to wipe out over R500m after court dimissed its cleaning levy appeal

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Tshwane may have to wipe out an envisaged R540 million from its budget after its appeal of the city’s cleansing levy was dismissed. 

Earlier this month, the Pretoria High Court ruled in favour of lobby group AfriForum, declaring the municipality’s R194 monthly levy unlawful.

On Monday, the same court dismissed the metro’s application for leave to appeal.

In court papers, the Tshwane municipality anticipated raising about R540 million a year from its newly introduced city cleansing levy.

The levy was initially targeted at about 250,000 businesses and residents who use private waste collectors.

Following the city’s latest court defeat, the municipal spokesperson, Selby Bokaba, said it is still considering its legal options.

“The city will seek the advice of senior legal counsel on the implications of the judgment and to determine the way forward. Tshwane has one month in which to appeal today’s judgment.”

In the previous judgment, the municipality was ordered to reimburse customers it had already charged for the city cleansing levy.