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Oct 03, 2025
Tshwane Ends Apartheid-Era Lease Privileges, Demands R3.8 Million from Watloo Property After 28 Years of Non-Payment
Author: NewsInSA
The City of Tshwane has declared an end to apartheid-era lease exemptions as it demands R3.8 million in unpaid bills from the Watloo property.
Tshwane – The City of Tshwane has officially declared an end to apartheid-era lease privileges as it moves to recover R3.8 million in unpaid municipal bills from the Watloo building in Pretoria East.
The property, owned by J.L. Van Druten, has reportedly gone nearly three decades without settling its municipal rates and services, under a 1996 lease agreement that allegedly exempted it from paying such charges. The City, however, has deemed the arrangement invalid under current legislation and part of a bygone era of privilege.
The crackdown forms part of the municipality’s Rea Tima revenue recovery drive, aimed at restoring financial accountability and reclaiming millions in lost revenue.
EFF councillor and MMC for Health, Blessing Tshego Oratilwe, emphasized that the time for selective privilege is over.
“No one is above accountability, regardless of history,” Oratilwe stated. “The City cannot continue to function if some benefit without paying while others carry the burden.”
Her comments were echoed by MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, Obakeng Ramabodu, who said the city was determined to ensure fairness and fiscal responsibility across all sectors.
The controversy reached a boiling point during a heated exchange at the property, where Van Druten insisted that his lease agreement from 1996 legally exempted him from all municipal charges, including water and electricity.
“In my lease, I’m exempted from all municipal charges,” he told officials. “I pay rent, and that’s all. There was a special council meeting when this was agreed.”
However, city representatives maintained that such agreements cannot supersede current municipal laws. Officials confirmed that an investigation has been launched to review the historic lease and recover any unpaid amounts due to the City of Tshwane.
The Rea Tima initiative, launched earlier this year, has been described as a major turning point in addressing municipal inefficiencies and legacy debt. It has already led to the disconnection of services at several delinquent properties across the metro.
As Tshwane continues its aggressive revenue recovery campaign, the Watloo case underscores the City’s stance that historic privilege does not exempt anyone from civic responsibility.
“Every property owner must meet their obligations,” Oratilwe concluded. “We are building a fair city where everyone contributes.”
