The editorial “Waardasie van eiendom bekyk”, in Paarl Post of 20 April 2023 refers:
The article creates the impression that an independent adjudicator was appointed possibly to review all property evaluations of 2021. This is absolutely untrue. Erik Marais’ claims – based on his own opinion – relate only to the most recent valuation of Drakenstein’s rural properties, not residential properties.
His unsubstantiated claim that residential property owners of Drakenstein are subsidising the rural sectors and are charged more is not only far-fetched but factually incorrect.
The editorial further paints a picture of the municipality being forced onto its knees by a man (Mr Marais) whose own decisions during his time as Municipal Valuer sparked a range of queries, objections and appeals.
Instead, it should ask what Mr Marais’ agenda is. In which capacity is he acting by speaking at these forums? And, is this appropriate while he currently serves on the Municipal Valuation Appeal Board?
What is true is that Mr Marais, a director of a company that performs valuations for clients in the rural or agricultural space, did approach the municipality on various occasions to express his opinion on the most recent valuations of Drakenstein’s rural properties.
We escalated his queries to the independent Municipal Valuer, with whom we have a contractual agreement and can act only within the scope and ambit of that agreement.
Drakenstein Municipality arranged for interaction between Mr Marais and the Municipal Valuer with senior management present – in a continued effort to resolve his claims.
The outcome of this was that they had a difference of professional opinion and could not reach consensus on the matter. Hence the municipality appointed an independent adjudicator to assess and evaluate Mr Marais’ claims.
Not during any of the engagements with Mr Marais did he indicate the municipal residential valuations were too high. He always claimed the agricultural portion’s valuations were too low, which also begs the question, is he advocating for rural property owners to pay more property tax?
Property owners of Drakenstein should note that the issues raised by Mr Marais are merely unsubstantiated claims, based on his own opinion.
Drakenstein Municipality – like all other municipalities in South Africa – is legally obligated to evaluate all properties within its municipal area every four years.
Municipalities use the income generated from property tax to fund non-revenue-generating municipal services, such as road maintenance, fire services, law enforcement, soup kitchens and the upkeep of sports fields and parks.
