Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis unpacks the City’s proposed budget

CapeTalk's John Maytham, in for Lester Kiewit interviews Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of the City of Cape Town.

Listen below:

Growing public concern has emerged over the City of Cape Town’s proposed changes to property rates and service tariffs outlined in the 2025/26 draft budget.

Residents and critics argue that the planned increases in property rates, the introduction of new fixed service charges, and a proposed city-wide cleaning tariff could place an undue financial strain on households and small businesses.

Others, however, believe that linking charges to property value promotes fairness – those who own more should contribute more.

RELATED: City of Cape Town to raise property rates and tariffs on 1 July – is it fair?

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis notes that approximately 40,000 households in the R4–R7 million property value bracket will see “reasonable” single-digit increases, while some households in the R1.5 million range may even see decreases.

He acknowledges that properties valued at R7 million and above will “undoubtedly” face increases.

"That is how the budget has been designed."

- Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor – City of Cape Town

Hill-Lewis emphasises that the proposed budget will fund significant service improvements, including daily cleaning of major highways and more frequent maintenance of waterways.

He also highlights the planned deployment of over 500 law enforcement officers across the city – five to six per ward – aimed at improving neighborhood safety.

Additionally, he says that the CoCT is funding a “South African record-breaking” infrastructure investment, which he claims will “guarantee the future success of the city.”

"That is an enormously expensive exercise but which I think will make a meaningful difference to everyone's quality of life and sense of safety in their community."

- Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor – City of Cape Town

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.