The ongoing issue of municipal rates to be paid by Woodland Hills Wildlife Estate residents in Bloemfontein has once again become a focal point of contention.

Residents of the luxury residential development have been urged to discontinue using Mangaung Metro’s services, which Mayor Gregory Nthatisi warns could set a detrimental precedent nationwide.

Hillandale Home Owners Association CEO, Willem van Huyssteen presented a statement in court emphasising that the real estate development manages its garbage disposal through independent contractors.

Adv. Stefan Grobler, a senior advocate, argued that the estate had received town foundation approval in 2004 and 2018, stipulating that the area would be responsible for its garbage disposal.

Grobler further asserted that taxpayers should not bear the burden of poor and defective service delivery when independent service providers deliver the service more effectively. At the time, the court has reserved judgment on the matter.

During a recent council meeting, Nthatisi expressed regret that the Metro inherited the case at a critical time, with the judgment looming over them. Nthatisi said the Metro applied for leave to appeal and plans to return to court with the original initiators of the case.

Mangaung Mayor Gregory Nthatisi during the Metro's 2024/25 Budget held at Bloemfontein City Hall. Photo: Screenshot

He emphasised the necessity for a court judgment that clarifies the respective roles of the municipality and the organization that challenged it. “If we leave it hanging, it will set the precedence for settlements (sic) such as Woodland Hills across the country and that would be a bad precedent should we allow it to ensue. It must be decided upon by the court of law.”

Meanwhile, Alliance for Social Democrats Cllr. Lucky Mongale criticised the Hillandale Home Owners Association for attempting to bypass Metro services. Mongale expressed concerns about the potential for other suburbs or developments to follow suit, forming organisations that might undermine the municipal authority and democratic processes.

AASD Councillor, Lucky Mongale argument during the special council meeting held at Bloemfontein City Hall. Photo: Screengrab

“I don’t want to find a situation whereby a lot of suburbs turn to organisations that end up not paying municipality because they form organisations that undermine democratic processes.

“Remember, once any institution fails to pay the municipality, goes to court, and wants to establish parallel governance, it is undermining a democratic process. Don’t help them to undermine it.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh