A decades-old lease that shielded a Pretoria East property from paying municipal bills has officially been scrapped, as the City of Tshwane moves to recover R3.8 million in unpaid rates from the owner, J.L. Van Druten.
Under a 1996 agreement with the former City Council, the Watloo-based property was reportedly exempt from paying for municipal services — including water and electricity — for nearly 30 years.
But Tshwane officials have now declared the lease outdated and invalid under modern legislation.
MMC for Health and EFF councillor Oratilwe Blessing Mashabela, led a revenue enforcement operation at the site on Monday as part of the City’s Rea Tima campaign.
“J.L. Van Druten holds a lease agreement dating back to 1997, which stipulates that he is not required to pay for municipal services to the former City Council,” Mashabela said.
She added that the city was owed millions and it was time to recover.
MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, Obakeng Ramabodu, echoed the sentiment, saying the City was dismantling unfair, historical advantages that have allowed some to escape financial accountability.
Photos shared on X show Mashabela confronting Van Druten in a heated exchange outside the Watloo property.
The owner reportedly insisted his lease still exempted him from paying municipal charges — a claim the City has flatly rejected.
“However, today we are conducting Rea Tima at their Watloo building, which currently owes the City of Tshwane R3.8 million,” Mashabela said.
The crackdown is part of a wider push to reclaim lost revenue from long-standing defaulters, including private entities and government departments.
Officials say no one will be exempt going forward.
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