Cape Town residents will soon have the opportunity to weigh in on proposed expanded rates relief measures and other key changes to the city’s 2025/26 budget. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced that the public comment period will open on Wednesday, May 28, and run through Friday, June 13, following next week’s tabling of amendments by the City Council.
The proposed adjustments form part of Cape Town’s Invested in Hope budget and include revised measures to ease the financial burden on residents. While the city already boasts the lowest monthly service charges among South African metros, the new proposals aim to extend further relief, particularly in response to rising electricity costs.
Balancing Relief and Infrastructure Investment
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasized that the city has carefully considered public feedback, including calls for alternative billing models. However, he confirmed that phasing out infrastructure spending is not feasible, as the city remains committed to its record R40 billion infrastructure budget.
“We’ve listened carefully to Capetonians,” said Hill-Lewis. “We’re proposing relief to counter electricity price hikes while still protecting key infrastructure projects.”
Additional financial relief measures include adjustments to commercial tariffs. Full details will be made available on the city’s website, and residents are encouraged to participate in the public comment period.
