Estate Levies

Randjesfontein was not originally designed as an Estate when it was developed some 20 years ago, but as agricultural smallholdings.

In September 1987 the Randjesfontein Ratepayers Association (RRA) was formed. There is a legal duty on owners of property in Randjesfontein to maintain adjacent bridal paths and for practical purposes the RRA performed the task at an agreed annual cost of R132. In addition, a R60 per annum for membership was agreed. This was for newsletters and admin, and the committee dealt with issues such as Eskom power interruptions, security (Reaction Force was in place as early as 1989 with patrols and monitoring), bridle path maintenance, bylaws regarding dumping of rubbish and fires, dogs and more.

By 1994/5 the levies were R225 for bridle path and R 95 for admin per annum. Newsletters from those years are full of crime statistics and problems, introduction of a plotwatch, projects such as tree planting, horse patrols, entrance signage, and more. The number of residents participating in that period was only 60% to the bridle path maintenance and 15%to the security patrols, out of a total of 190 residents.

By 1997 the wall project was underway and the section 21company was formed known as Randjesfontein Country Estates (RCE).

By 1997/8 the levies were: membership R95, Bridle Path R225, Security R360 per annum.

During 1998 the wall was completed and by August 1998 road closure application was started.

In February 2000, RCE and the RRA amalgamated. The rights referring to building plans and mineral rights in the tile deeds of Randjesfontein properties have been ceded by way of a notarial deed from Randjesfontein Developments (Pty)Ltd to RCE. The levies were then set at R68 p/month (R816 pa) for estate admin & maintenance and R322pm for security.

Levies were used for wall repairs, cutting of grass, newsletters and all admin functions, and based on 200 residents participating.

However the participation was at an all time low and many of the planned projects could not be carried out, such as application for permanent road closures.

The 2002 Estate Levies were set at R125pm, and R30pm for bridle path levy, based on the previous payment rate of approximately 50%. Due to improvement in the payment rate, however, funds became available after expenses were paid. A General Meeting was called and members agreed to use these funds to implement capital projects. These were listed and members voted on prioritising the projects.

August 2003 saw one of the best attended AGM meetings with over 120 members present. Contribution to levies is up to 66% (of the 350 properties) and climbing. RCE has some funds available that are being used for capital projects such as new signage, a website , a tractor , and office equipment. Application is in for the purchase of the ground required to build gatehouses. Further improvement in the payment rate will enable RCE to implement even more of the capital projects that we would all like to see in order to improve the overall maintenance and well being of Randjesfontein.

In 2004 Articles of Association were accepted, thus making property owners members of RCE. They are bound to abide by these Articles. At this time a few owners opted not to be members, but when their properties are sold, the new owners must sign these Articles of Association.

The RCE board is committed and proactive in the area, with monthly meetings , and have security and development issues in hand, especially with relation to the Gautrain. The committee has been working for the past 6 years on the appropriate development of the Homestead area.

One of the goals agreed to by the community is to develop Randjesfontein into a Security Equestrian Estate with permanent road closures, gatehouses and an improved security system. This will see the value of our properties improving as well as our lifestyles.

The levies over the past years have increased nominally. There is sometimes a once off levy to complete a project decided by the board and ratified by the community.