By Thapelo Molefe
With Tshwane councillors allowed to take 14 working days to elect a new mayor, Gauteng’s portfolio committee on co-operative governance has called for urgent action to ensure stability in the city.
Democratic Alliance (DA) member and former mayor Cilliers Brink was ousted on Thursday in a vote of no confidence.
Committee chairperson Mzi Khumalo has emphasised the need for swift action to maintain municipal operations without disruption.
“As the oversight body responsible for promoting good governance, the portfolio committee urges the Department of CoGTA to take immediate steps to ensure that the upcoming mayoral election is conducted within the 14-day legal timeframe…,” he said in a statement.
“The department must act swiftly to prevent any governance voids and guarantee that essential services to residents remain unaffected.”
Khumalo said the committee’s key concerns following the mayor’s removal included ensuring seamless service delivery, fortifying internal governance, maintaining stability through collaboration with local leaders and stakeholders, and navigating the transition with transparency and efficiency.
The DA announced on Friday that Brink would remain its mayoral candidate for Tshwane, despite the outcome of the vote.
DA provincial leader Solly Msimanga made the announcement, citing the party’s commitment to stability and progress in the capital city.
“We will not abandon the residents of Tshwane to the chaos caused by the ANC, enabled by ActionSA, and which is set to benefit the EFF,” Msimanga said.
The DA’s decision comes after Herman Mashaba’s ActionSA party collaborated with the ANC to pass a motion of no confidence against Brink.
However, Mashaba’s claims of a deal with the ANC to install Nasiphi Moya as mayor were promptly contradicted by the ANC.
The DA has criticised the ANC’s actions, labelling them as “irresponsible” and “chaotic.”
“The constant changing of mayors, without regard to certainty and consistency in policy, is a cause of, not a cure for, deteriorating municipal governance and service delivery,” Msimanga said.
The party warned that the ANC’s actions would have severe consequences for Tshwane, including jeopardising the city’s financial recovery and undermining stability.
The DA also expressed concern that professional senior managers might be victimised and removed from their positions.
Khumalo said the committee would closely monitor the situation, working with the department and provincial bodies to prioritise Tshwane’s residents during this transitional period.
As the city prepares for the election of a new mayor, the ANC and ActionSA are expected to form a new coalition.
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