The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Tshwane have made their stance clear on the role of city administrators, insisting that governance should remain in the hands of elected officials. This comes after the EFF accused city manager Johan Mettler of leaking confidential city matters to the former DA mayor of Tshwane, Cilliers Brink.
EFF Tshwane regional chair Obakeng Ramabodu expressed his disapproval of municipal administrators playing a leading role in decision-making, stating that the government of Tshwane should be directed by politicians, not administrators. Ramabodu emphasized that administrators have been running the government without a mandate and that they should be held accountable for their actions.
The EFF’s demand for transparency and accountability from city leaders was reiterated during a briefing held by ActionSA Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya on the first 100 days since taking over power in the city. Tshwane is currently governed by an ActionSA, ANC, and EFF coalition.
City spokesman Sebly Bokaba defended city manager Johan Mettler, stating that the allegations against him were unfounded and that he remained focused on his duties. Bokaba emphasized that Mettler’s task is to account on behalf of the administration and that he gets along well with members of the mayoral committee.
According to the Municipal Management Finance Act, politicians cannot “take over” administrative posts, and the municipal manager is responsible for fiscal responsibility within the municipality. The act prohibits any action taken for political reasons against a compliant municipal manager.
During her 100 days in office speech, Mayor Moya acknowledged the challenges inherited by her administration, including neglect in infrastructure and disparities in service delivery between affluent areas and townships or informal settlements. She highlighted the importance of restoring the city’s financial stability and improving revenue collection.
As the coalition government reflects on the past 100 days, Mayor Moya expressed confidence in the progress made and reiterated the commitment to addressing the city’s challenges. The administration’s focus on financial recovery and service delivery aims to improve the lives of Tshwane residents and restore their faith in government. The City of Tshwane has made significant progress in the past 100 days, with a focus on improving infrastructure and enforcing laws to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. While the goal of R3.3 billion in monthly revenue collection has not yet been reached, the city has consistently achieved an average monthly revenue collection of R3.3 billion.
According to Moya, the City Manager, safe and reliable infrastructure is essential for delivering essential services to Tshwane’s residents. In the past 100 days, critical steps have been taken to improve water, electricity, and road infrastructure. These improvements are crucial for the overall well-being of the city’s residents and are a top priority for the administration.
Law and order are also a key focus for the multi-party administration in Tshwane. Over the past 100 days, the city has intensified by-law enforcement efforts under the Reclaim Our City campaign. Enforcement operations have been stepped up across the city, targeting illegal activities and improving compliance, especially in the inner city and business districts.
While challenges remain, the city is committed to moving forward and addressing these issues. In the coming weeks, the city will table its first adjustment budget, providing an opportunity to refine priorities and allocate resources to areas that require urgent intervention. This proactive approach demonstrates the city’s dedication to improving the lives of its residents and creating a safe and thriving community.
Overall, the City of Tshwane is making significant strides in improving infrastructure, enforcing laws, and addressing challenges to ensure the well-being of its residents. The commitment to progress and proactive measures taken by the administration will help to create a better future for Tshwane and its residents.
