The KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) is undertaking a General Valuation (GV) Roll project for properties, which will determine your rates from 1 July 2026. This revaluation is a legal requirement under the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA) No. 6 of 2004.
Understanding this process is essential to protect your rights as a property owner.
What the Valuation Means
The valuation process aims to determine the Market Value of every property in the municipal area as of a single, specified date. This ensures a uniform and fair basis for calculating the property rates you pay to fund essential local services.
Key MPRA Principles:
- Market Value: The value must reflect what a property would realistically sell for on the open market, based on the “willing buyer, willing seller” principle.
- Mass Appraisal: Due to the large number of properties, KDM uses advanced techniques (Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal/CAMA) and market data analysis rather than physical inspection of every property.
- Consistency: All properties must be valued based on their market value as of one specific date for consistency.
KDM Valuation Timeline
The project is progressing on schedule. Mark these critical dates:
| Milestone | Expected Date | Significance for Ratepayers |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Valuation Roll Submitted | 31 October 2025 | The Municipality begins internal verification of valuations. |
| Final Valuation Roll Delivered & Published | 31 January 2026 | The Roll is made public, and the period to lodge an objection begins. |
| New Rates Implemented | 1 July 2026 | The new property valuations come into effect, and your rates are adjusted. |
Your Rights as a Ratepayer
The MPRA gives every property owner the right to query the value placed on their property.
- Right to Object: Once the Final Roll is delivered (around 31 January 2026), KDM must provide a specific public inspection period. If you believe your property’s market value is incorrect, you must formally lodge an objection to the Municipal Valuer within the specified deadline.
- Objection Process: The Municipal Valuer must consider your objection and may adjust the value. The Valuer is obliged to respond to objectors in writing and provide reasons for any adjustments.
- Right to Appeal: If you are dissatisfied with the Valuer’s decision on your objection, you have the right to appeal the decision to an independent Valuation Appeal Board.
Don’t miss important information about this process! DOCRRA will be sharing all the details across our social media platforms. Stay tuned for the next blog in this series explaining how to lodge an objection and the exclusive support we will provide to our members in this process.
For more detailed information on the legal basis of the revaluation process, check out this resource from our friends at HBGSchindlers.
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