By Thapelo Molefe
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is pulling out all the stops to reinstate ousted Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink.
The party’s Federal Executive met on Monday and unanimously commended Brink for his exceptional leadership in turning around the capital city.
Party leader John Steenhuisen praised Brink’s dedication and hard work, which he said was beginning to yield positive results.
“We thank Cilliers and all his colleagues for their dedicated team-work that contributed to the progress that was beginning to bear fruit,” Steenhuisen said.
“We undertake to leave no stone unturned to return them to office in Tshwane.”
DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille has warned the African National Congress (ANC) to reinstate Brink or risk jeopardising stability talks in other hung metros ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.
Zille’s ultimatum, outlined in a letter to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and lead coalition negotiator David Makhura, described Brink’s removal as a “seismic event” in the government of national unity.
She emphasised that discussions on achieving stability in Tshwane and retaining Brink as mayor had been ongoing.
“The reason is that the (Panyaza) Lesufi faction rules Gauteng, and they ignore their national leadership. The other reason is that ActionSA betrayed the coalition,” she wrote in the letter.
Zille cautioned that the ANC’s actions would have far-reaching consequences, labelling Brink’s removal a “tragedy” for South Africa and the national unity government .
She noted that Brink’s performance was not the reason for his removal.
“History will judge them very harshly,” Zille warned, emphasising the gravity of the situation
Brink’s ousting has sparked criticism, with many citing political manoeuvring as the reason for his removal.
The DA has labelled the move a “power grab” and vowed to fight for Brink’s reinstatement.
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