THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE BUDGET

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his maiden Budget Speech, and given the challenges facing South Africa, most agree, he did pretty well. Yes, the R181 billion tax windfall that flowed from high commodity prices significantly improved the government's fiscal position, but still, there was a good, clean message which went out to the world that SA's fiscal slide has been arrested. He also provided clear signals to ailing and failing SOEs that not only was government financial support coming to an end, but that even support for Eskom was dependent on some tough decisions and actions by its management. That's a space to be watched.

For those involved in corruption, he was clear - their glory days were over. Money would be recouped. He congratulated SARS heartily on the numerous successes they have had, and the many others they're currently pursuing. All of these strong messages were very welcome. 

For Wakefields, Godongwana's prudent approach was very encouraging: "Increasing taxes would have impacted negatively on the property market and an already stressed society. Keeping money in the pockets of South Africans via corporate and personal taxation, is really good news. Not increasing the fuel and RAF levies also impacts on our pockets. All of this is particularly positive news for property, because while it will continue to assist many to own their own homes, it also provides relief to others who have been through tough times in the past few years, to maintain home loan repayments, maintenance on their properties and rates payments. On a slightly negative note, we have not seen an increase in the property transfer duty threshold levels which would have provided further stimulus for the market."

Godongwana's insistence that it's imperative that citizens pay for services, was also welcomed. eThekwini residents are all watching the city of Tshwane with great interest, as Tswane's 'enough is enough' stance on non-payment of services yields dividends. The Finance Minister stressed this as critical to the effective functioning of society at large.  

Wakefield urges eThekwini rate payers to do some homework around their rates: "Check your property valuation. The municipality values your property based on a database of property information - everything from building plans, aerial photography, property sales information and more. Your rates are directly linked to your property's market valuation, so if the valuation is far off the mark, so too, will be your rates. If you're unhappy with your valuation, we can certainly help. Just contact your nearest Wakefields branch and ask us to do a comparative market analysis." 

The deadline for submissions is 31 March 2022. Visit the online portal and use your RATES NUMBER from your utilities bill. Enter THAT ONLY and search. It seems to be the easiest way. Your rate number is under 'Rates' and 'Reference' on your bill. You can either visit the Valuation Roll Division (5th floor, Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lemberg Street/any Sizakala Customer Centre, or online . You'll find objection forms there, which can be emailed to objectionsandappeals@durban.gov.za."