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Chaos onder Tshwane politieke partye heers steeds
Recent Political Developments in Tshwane
The recent political landscape in Tshwane has been marked by significant upheaval following the removal of former Mayor Cilliers Brink on September 27 through a motion of no confidence led by the ANC and supported by the EFF and ActionSA.
On a national level, the vacant mayoral position in the capital city is now causing repercussions for the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Helen Zille, the DA’s Federal Council Chairperson, demanded in an email to ANC leadership that Brink be reinstated as the Mayor of Tshwane.
John Steenhuisen, the DA leader, announced on October 1 that he would approach President Cyril Ramaphosa for a meeting within the spirit of cooperation of the GNU to reach a decision regarding the Tshwane mayoral position.
“We will spare no effort to reinstate Brink in his position,” said Steenhuisen in a statement.
Locally, tensions have also risen within Tshwane municipal offices. City Manager Johann Mettler found it necessary to address municipal officials to refrain from showing disregard towards Brink.
Brink is currently engaged in negotiations and appreciates the continued overwhelming support from residents.
One of Brink’s major concerns following his removal from office is the lack of a pre-action plan by parties such as the ANC and ActionSA on how to continue serving the residents of Tshwane.
“Their only aim was to remove me from my position. There was and still is no pre-action plan. It is a recipe for disaster for Tshwane. The parties are now fighting amongst themselves while the city administration must continue amidst this instability. It is irresponsible. Our city is already fragile in so many areas, without adding further uncertainty,” said Brink.
Brink questions the trustworthiness of ActionSA, stating discrepancies in their leadership and lack of exposure to a leadership conference.
He perceives the EFF’s provocative behavior during the September 27 meeting, aligning with the ANC and ActionSA in the motion of no confidence against him, as typical chaos filled with racist rhetoric.
Another disappointment for Brink is the potential impact of the current instability on the city administration, as good municipal appointments made under the multiparty coalition may now be undone, such as that of the city manager.
Brink is also concerned with certain reports not being considered during the meeting as the Speaker, Mncedi Ndzwanana, unexpectedly prioritized the motion of no confidence over the consideration of reports on the agenda.
“Under the multiparty coalition, we were changing the organizational culture and we had already carried out certain reports on alleged corruption for prosecution and dismissals. There were also similar reports tabled, as well as administrative reports on September 27 that were not considered,” Brink pointed out.
He is resolute about the DA’s role in the opposition benches if attempts to reach a cooperation agreement with the ANC regarding the way forward for the mayor and the mayoral committee fail.
“We will not allow entrenched interests to speak louder than the interests of our residents. We will hold any future government in Tshwane accountable and will not excuse or pardon them in any way. Especially with alleged corruption, such as in the Edwin Sodi case, we will be relentless in the follow-up process,” Brink explained.
George Matjila, the ANC Secretary in Tshwane, stated that national leadership has not yet held discussions to make a recommendation for a nomination regarding the mayoral position.
Matjila emphasizes that the party will meet with stakeholders until a decision is made.
He confirms that provincial and national leadership are also considering making an ANC nomination, among other options, but this possibility is still under discussion.
Matjila highlights that the consistency of service delivery to Tshwane residents is the decisive factor for the party moving forward.
He referred to Zille’s conditions in an email to ANC leadership that Brink must be reinstated in his position.
“Zille’s threats will not work,” Matjila remarked.
ActionSA, in turn, stated that if the ANC nominates its own candidate for the mayoral position, they will have to manage without ActionSA’s support in the council.
“We are concerned about rumors we hear, but we do not wish to negotiate through the media,” said the party’s National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont.
Beaumont reaffirmed his support for the Acting Mayor, Dr. Nasiphi Moya.
“Since being elected as the Deputy Mayor, she has proven herself to be the best candidate. The progress made by the city with the Hammanskraal project, among many others, is directly attributed to her project management skills. Dr. Moya’s abilities are complemented by a record of ethical and honest leadership,” stated Beaumont.
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