The City of Tshwane has dismissed claims that the Afrikaner enclave of Kleinfontein will be demolished but has imposed heavy penalties on the community for failing to pay municipal rates and taxes. The settlement, located outside Pretoria, now faces a monthly bill of over R2-million—a drastic increase from its previous payment of just R6,000 to R8,000.
Rezoning Dispute at the Heart of the Conflict
Kleinfontein, a self-sufficient community established over 30 years ago, has long operated under a cultural land zoning, which allowed it to pay minimal rates. However, a court order has identified it—along with 16 other settlements—as incorrectly zoned, leading to significant financial arrears owed to the municipality.
The community has appealed to the City to fast-track its rezoning application, submitted in 2013, arguing that fair taxation can only be determined once its legal status is clarified.
“We have deposited the disputed amount in a trust account,” said a Kleinfontein representative. “We are willing to pay, but we demand a fair assessment based on correct zoning.”
Self-Sufficient but Under Scrutiny
Kleinfontein boasts full independence from municipal services, running its own solar power plant, water purification system, and waste management. With 600 properties powered by renewable energy and 34 boreholes supplying water, residents argue they should not be taxed for services they do not use.
“Why should Tshwane tax Kleinfontein at all when they provide zero services?” questioned a community member. “Instead of relying on municipal workers, we create our own jobs by maintaining our infrastructure.”
Municipality Insists on Compliance
Despite the community’s objections, Tshwane maintains that Kleinfontein must comply with tax regulations. The City has denied plans to demolish the settlement but warns that non-compliance could jeopardize its future.
“We are not demolishing any of the 17 townships, including Kleinfontein,” said a municipal spokesperson. “But we will work with them to ensure proper zoning, biodiversity protection, and economic development.”
The municipality has given Kleinfontein and other affected settlements three months to regularize their status. However, residents fear the R2-million monthly demand is unsustainable, particularly for its elderly population.
Political and Financial Pressure
Some within Kleinfontein suspect the increased tax burden is a tactic to force the community’s dissolution. “It’s impossible for us to pay this amount,” said a resident. “We want to comply, but we need a fair evaluation.”
As the deadline looms, the future of Kleinfontein hangs in the balance—caught between municipal enforcement and its fight for autonomy.
