R2,010 to Midstream Estate versus R5,920 to Ekurhuleni Municipality: what you get for your money
Residents of Midstream Estate receive far more for their R2,010 monthly levy than what they get for R5,920 in rates and taxes from the City of Ekurhuleni.
Midstream Estate is a security village in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality with its own schools, hospitals, shopping centres, and sports facilities.
What sets Midstream apart from other residential estates is that it is a self-contained, independent town offering exceptional security.
It covers 1,300 hectares and comprises several smaller estates, including Midstream Ridge, Midlands, Midstream Hill, and a retirement village.
The infrastructure inside the residential estates includes well-maintained roads, parks, and sporting facilities, along with excellent security.
The infrastructure and services in Midstream are funded through a monthly levy, which includes the main levies of R1,930 per month.
There is also a Community Schemes Ombud Service charge of R25, a recycling collection charge of R13, and a paramedic service charge of R42.
This brings the total monthly levies for residents in Midstream Estates to R2,010. It should be noted that this varies by house type and estate.
For this money, residents get world-class security, well-maintained roads, manicured public gardens, emergency services, and top-notch recreational facilities.
The security includes a 50 km-long, 5 m-wide, double-electrified security wall, facial recognition entrance control, active patrolling, and digital services.
There are continuous foot, vehicle, and motorcycle patrols inside the estate borders to ensure the boundary is secure.
Simply put, the money gives residents most of the services they would typically get from the state, except for refuse removal, water, and sewage.
City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality charges
As Midstream Estate falls within the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, it pays for a set of services.
A typical homeowner in Midstream Estate will pay Ekurhuleni Property rates and taxes of R5,000 per month.
They also pay an Ekurhuleni Refuse Charge of R270 per month and an Ekurhuleni Sewerage Charge of around R650 per month, depending on water usage.
An easy comparison between Midstream Estate and the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is the refuse charge.
Ekurhuleni charges R270 per month to collect rubbish once a week, while Midstream Estate charges R13 per month to collect recyclable waste once a week.
The service levels from the City of Ekurhuleni are also poor. Refuse is often collected late, and in some cases, not at all.
When there is a water problem or a burst pipe, it becomes a matter of luck on how long it will take to be repaired.
The area on the side of the road which the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality should maintain is often overgrown and in a poor state.
Midstream Estate has taken over most of these tasks across the estate, including repairing roads and maintaining the surrounding areas.
This shows that Midstream Estate residents get much more for their R2,010 monthly levy than the R5,920 they pay the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
It further highlights the municipality’s inefficiency and Midstream Estate’s efficiency, a tale of public-sector waste versus private-sector excellence.
Midstream Estate versus Ekurhuleni Municipality
| Midstream Estate | Ekurhuleni Municipality |
| Roads and infrastructure | Roads and infrastructure |
| Recyclable waste removal | Refuse removal |
| Electricity | Water |
| Roads | Roads |
| Security | Sanitation and wastewater |
| Sports facilities | |
| Parks and playing areas | |
| Emergency services | |
| R2,010 | R5,920 |
Midstream Estate photos
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