Tshwane’s Leadership Shake-Up: Cilliers Brink Removed as Executive Mayor
In a dramatic turn of events, Cilliers Brink’s 18-month tenure as Tshwane’s executive mayor came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, September 26. The African National Congress (ANC)-led motion of no confidence succeeded, garnering 120 votes in favor and 87 against, with one councillor abstaining.
The motion of no confidence was brought by the ANC, which cited Brink’s failure to address critical issues within the city, including persistent service delivery failures and mismanagement of public finances.
Brink had expressed determination to fight against the motion, citing concerns for the city’s well-being and the progress made during his tenure.
“It’s very unfortunate the ANC has not withdrawn this motion. They can still do it, but the longer they take to do it, the less likely there is for a good outcome. My general feeling is one of concern for the city, but we are in a fighting mood,” Brink stated at the Metro’s Council Chambers on Thursday, September 26.
However, his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and the motion paved the way for a potential coalition government between the African National Congress (ANC) and ActionSA. Both parties have been vocal critics of Brink’s administration.
“The ANC welcomes the outcome of the vote, which reflects the will of the people of Tshwane,” said ANC regional secretary, Innocent Mosto.
As the city navigates this leadership vacuum, speculation mounts about the incoming administration’s priorities. The Hammanskraal water project hangs in the balance, and residents eagerly await the appointment of a new mayor and a revised policy agenda.
The removal of Brink has created an opportunity for the ANC and ActionSA-led coalition to seize control of the City’s council. With the nation’s capital city now without a mayor, the stage is set for a fresh start.
The Democratic Alliance’s Leader in Gauteng, Honorable Solly Msimanga said the day will go down in history as a day ‘that an outright backstabber sunk a functional government, and in doing so traded stability for chaos.’
“ActionSA’s backstabbing played right into the hands of the ANC’s power hunger. The ANC has no interest in good governance in Tshwane but wants to pillage and steal from a stabilised government. This will no doubt destabilise Tshwane and ActionSA is duly complicit in this power grab. The doomsday coalition has now taken over Tshwane and it will go the same road as Joburg and Ekurhuleni. A future of urban decay and service delivery failure lies ahead for the good citizens of Tshwane,” he said in a statement.
Legislature Committee notes Brink’s removal
The Portfolio Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), chaired by Honorable Mzi Khumalo, has taken note of the removal of the Tshwane Mayor and calls for urgent action to ensure stability in the City of Tshwane during this transitional period.
“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 and that all necessary measures are in place to maintain municipal operations without disruption. The Department must play a proactive role in supporting the City’s governance structures during this period of change,” Hon. Khumalo stated.
Chairperson Khumalo emphasized that the Department must ensure there are no delays in service delivery, strengthen internal governance, and maintain stability in collaboration with local leadership and stakeholders.
“The Department must act swiftly to prevent any governance voids and guarantee that essential services to residents remain unaffected,” said Hon. Khumalo.
The Portfolio Committee said it will remain engaged with the Department and other provincial bodies to ensure that the transition is seamless, and processes are handled with transparency and efficiency, ensuring that Tshwane’s residents are prioritized throughout this period.
