PARRA - Port Alfred Ratepayers' & Residents' Association

12/05/2026

Many of you will have seen the article stating that Port Alfred is to be renamed Elias Mathitipipi Village. Although it is fake and possibly written as a joke, it is extremely inappropriate and we will be following it up.

13/04/2026

Draft tariffs have been announced by Ndlambe Municipality with the following increases for 2026/7:

PROPERTY RATES: a 5.2% increase

ENVIRONMENTAL FEE: a 5.2% increase

WATER BASIC FEE: a 10.2% increase (comprising of 5.2% CPI inflation plus 5% for tariff structure change derived from the cost of supply study conducted in 2023/4 and implemented in 2024/5 for the current and two outer years)

WATER USAGE: a 5.2% increase

SEWERAGE BASIC FEE: a 5.2% increase

SANITATION/PUMMP OUTS: a 10.2% increase (5.2% inflationary plus a 5% for tariff structure change derived from cost of supply study conducted in 2023/4)

WASTE COLLECTION FEE: a 5.2% increase

ELECTRICITY TARIFF: an average increase of 7% for 2026/7 due to tariff structure change derived from cost of supply study conducted in 2023/4

MISCELLANEOUS TARIFFS: an increase of 5.25 for 2026/7

These increases will take effect on July 1st. We urge all residents to write to the Municipality either by email or letter to object to these exorbitant increases, as well as the proposed expenditure as listed in the Integrated Development Plan (available on the Ndlambe website).

18/03/2026

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE PROPOSED 2026/27 ELECTRICITY TARIFF STRUCTURE

PARRA strongly encourages all ratepayers and residents to submit their comments on the proposed electricity tariff structure for 2026/27.

DEALINE: 28 March 2026

It is essential that comments are submitted in writing in order to be formally recorded and considered by the Municipality.

If residents and ratepayers do not submit comments, the Municipality will assume that the community accepts the proposed tariff increases. Without formal written submissions there is no basis to challenge or oppose the increases, and once the tariffs are approved and implemented there is effectively no recourse available to residents.

WRITTEN COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED:

By email: [email protected]
By Hand Delivery: Ndlambe Finance Department, 47 Campbell Street.

All submissions must clearly include the name and contact details of the person making the submission.

For our records, we also encourage residents to copy their submission to:
[email protected]. This will help us track the number of responses from the community.

Your participation is important - make your voice heard before it is too late.

13/03/2026

OUTA says residential customers with SSEG installations - which includes solar PV systems, should not rush to register their installations with Eskom and Municipalities - for now.

17/02/2026

PARRA would like to advise residents selling their properties that rate clearance applies only to their rates and utilities being paid up. The new regulation that building plans must be in order is deemed to be illegal.
PARRA is requesting clarification from NLM in this regard. We advise residents not to incur un-necessary expense until this matter is clarified.

09/02/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxn3yAdYLKg

South Africans are turning to solar in record numbers. But should you be rushing to register your system with your municipality or Eskom just yet?In this epi...

06/01/2026

Message from the Chairperson of PARRA – 2026

As we enter 2026, the Port Alfred Ratepayers and Residents Association (PARRA) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to serving the people of our town.

PARRA exists to protect the interests of ratepayers and residents, to hold local government accountable, and to work constructively for a well-run, safe, and sustainable Port Alfred. That commitment remains as strong today as it has ever been. We will continue to engage firmly, responsibly, and transparently on issues that affect service delivery, infrastructure, governance, and the overall wellbeing of our community.

However, PARRA is at its strongest when it reflects the real priorities of the people it represents.

We therefore invite all residents and ratepayers to share their views on what you believe should be our key areas of focus during 2026. Whether it is municipal service delivery, roads, water and sanitation, electricity, public safety, environmental concerns, rates and billing, or any other matter affecting daily life in Port Alfred, your input matters.

Please let us know:

~What issues concern you most right now
~Where you believe PARRA’s efforts should be concentrated
~Any constructive suggestions for improving our town

Together, through informed participation and active citizenship, we can continue working toward a Port Alfred that functions better for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and commitment to our town.

Yours sincerely,
Ren Mouton
Chairperson
Email: [email protected]

11/12/2025

PARRA Legal Fund Appeal – We Need Your Help

Dear PARRA community,

As many of you know, PARRA has taken formal legal action regarding the proposed name change. This was a necessary step to ensure that proper process is followed and that the voice of our community is fully respected.

We are pleased to share that a large portion of the legal fees has already been paid using funds previously raised by our members and the community. Your past support made this possible — and we are truly grateful.

However, there is still a shortfall of approximately R30,000 that needs to be covered so we can fully settle the remaining legal costs and continue representing the interests of our community effectively.

We are therefore appealing to our members, supporters, and friends to contribute toward closing this gap. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps.

If you are able to assist, please use the following details:

PARRA Legal Fund
Bank: Standard Bank - 051001
Account Number: - 10184889039
Reference: Legal Fund – Your Name

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability on behalf of our community.

PARRA EXCO

29/10/2025

https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/south-africa/what-nersa-doesnt-want-you-to-know/

Court asked to set timelines for municipal tariff approvals.

24/10/2025

🌟 THANK YOU, PORT ALFRED! 🌟

The Port Alfred Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (PARRA) extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the Public Participation Meeting at the T**i Jonas Hall last night.

Your strong turnout and active participation show how deeply our community cares about transparency, accountability, and progress for all residents of Ndlambe. 🙌

We value your voices, your questions, and your commitment to constructive dialogue. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive Port Alfred — one where every resident has a say in shaping our town’s future. 💪

Let’s keep the momentum going! Stay connected with PARRA for updates, outcomes from the meeting, and the next steps forward.