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Municipalities in South Africa provide essential public services, including refuse removal, street cleaning, and urban hygiene, typically funded through tariffs charged to residents and businesses. One such charge is the City Cleansing Charge. It reflects the cost associated with waste-related services such as the collection, transportation, and disposal of litter and refuse from public areas.

The City of Tshwane cleansing charge as approved by Council will come into effect on the 01 July 2025. The charge will assist the City to provide and improve waste management services to all residents in the City. 

It is of importance to note that the City has a constitutional obligation in terms of Section 156(1)(a) and Part B of Schedule 4 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which empowers municipalities to administer functions such as cleansing and waste removal.

The MMC for Environment and Agriculture, Cllr Obakeng Ramabodu, takes note of the disapproval expressed by some of the civil organizations such as AfriForum, who have taken legal action against the City by approaching the North Gauteng High Court seeking a decision of the court to overturn the cleansing charge. The stance by AfriForum is regrettable and inexcusable.  

Nevertheless, the City is committed to continue in its mandate to provide quality services to all residents and businesses, in the City as per constitutional requirement. 

In this context, the primary purpose of the city cleansing charge is to drive environmental objectives in line with environmental Legislation and the provision made by section 74 (2) (h) of Municipal System Act – and further ensure that the residents of Tshwane do benefit and live in a clean city.

Issued by Cllr Obakeng Ramabodu, MMC for Environment & Agriculture Management, Tshwane