The Western Cape council is renowned for ripping its residents off, first the ridiculous rates increase in order to pay for incompetent politicians’ salary increases and perks, followed by the world cup stadium debacle by the Zille camp.

Motor car license fees in the Western Cape are the highest in the country, but wanting to save face, they kept renewal fees unchanged and then added a R30.00 administration fee, ostensibly to pay for a better computer program and increased service delivery. Who they are servicing is a mystery, as the queues are as long as ever and it takes just as long to process a customer as before. But, of course, it also includes all traffic fines incurred during the year and will not allow you to renew your licence before these are paid in full, which brings me to my second topic:

The N2 taxi speedway has many cameras to catch private motorists and fine them a healthy R500.00, yet there is not a single camera in the taxis and buss lane. Why? Well, it is not economically viable. They don’t pay their fines anyway. It is all about economics and business.

Just before Christmas, traffic authorities went into Green Point/Camps Bay and fined all and sundry. To add insult to injury, they towed away the cars as an additional release penalty could be levied on these victims. Parking in a loading zone after hours is apparently also a serious crime, as far as traffic authorities are concerned. But then, they probably need the money for Christmas parties etc.

Whenever there is a rugby match at Newlands, there is many a cop visible for parking fines, yet for soccer they seem to disappear, once again it’s all about the money and the ability to reclaim.

Another total rip-off is that residents may not withhold payment when in dispute with council about their valuations, as interest will be levied, yet Council do not pay interest for excess moneys paid as a result of these ridiculous valuations – even if it is found to incorrect! Not very fair, is it?.

Since it seems as if Cape Town City Council and its subsidiaries are run as profitable business, I believe that, as customers, we would be well within our rights to withhold payment if services are lacking or inadequate.

Alternatively, Zille should have Cape Town listed on the stock exchange. I would love to get my hands on piece of the profits!!!