Payment of residential property rates in a selected district municipality in south africa
Abstract
Payment of property rates has continued to be a prevalent issue among the residential leaseholders in South African municipalities. The purpose of this study was to identify the causes of defaults in the payment of property rates and to proffer solutions to minimise and recover debts. Systems and contingency theories underpinned this study. It adopted a mixed methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Exploratory and descriptive research designs were applied to suit the purpose of the study. The population of the study comprised five local municipalities in the district, 185 268 residential leaseholders and 437 municipal workers. Data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) while data collected from the interviews were transcribed, coded and explained.
The study concluded that defaults in payment were as a result of, among others, failure by the municipality to impress upon residents the importance of paying their rates; failure to promote alternative payment options; impunity and irresponsibility of leaseholders; and failures by the municipal managers to communicate with the leaseholders using current electronic media. The study recommended a number of measures which would help to alleviate the debt problem in the municipalities.