Mashaba fires MMC Anthony Still

The City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Environment and Infrastructure, Anthony Still, has been removed from office by Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba, Randburg Sun reports.

Still confirmed to the Randburg Sun that the Democratic Alliance informed him of his dismissal this morning, February 14. “I did not expect this. I thought I had a lot to offer,” he said.

Still told the Randburg Sun that he and Mashaba had a difference of opinion on the suspension of City Power managing director Sicelo Xulu.

“I was not against the investigation of City Power staff, but I was against suspending the managing director,” he said.

The African National Congress Johannesburg caucus predicted the move yesterday, February 13, in a press release alleging that Mashaba would remove Still because he believed another investigation into Xulu would be wasteful expenditure. They also alleged Still did not want to appoint Mashaba’s candidate as Pikitup managing director.

Still said the essence of this statement was true, but he did not know where the ANC got their information from, since many of the allegations were incorrect.

READ MORE: Mashaba, ANC Joburg embroiled in City Power spat

This morning, Mashaba released this statement:

It is with regret that I announce that MMC Anthony Still, serving in the Environmental and Infrastructure Services Department, will be standing down effective today, Tuesday, 14 February 2017.

MMC Still has served the City of Johannesburg in various roles for a considerable period of time. His knowledge on matters of infrastructure services has been invaluable.

I have sat down with MMC Still and discussed the matter extensively. Unfortunately, we held a difference of opinion on the approach to tackling matters of investigations into alleged fraud and corruption within City Power.

I am firmly of the view that I require a team of MMCs who share my commitment to tackling matters of alleged fraud and corruption in the City. This is what the residents of our City have demanded and I will remain unapologetic in my commitment to deliver on it.

As of today, and following an extensive process of consideration I am pleased to announce that Cllr Nico De Jager will assume the position of MMC for Environmental and Infrastructure Services.

MMC De Jager has served as a Councillor in the City of Johannesburg since 2005. He possesses a wealth of experience and skills that will bring value to this role. To add to his experience in Council, MMC De Jager has a tertiary qualification in Public Administration.

MMC De Jager has the tenacity to address the serious issues that plague the delivery of services from the City Entities that operate under this Department. I regard this to be the most important aspect of any candidate for this position. The change that has been required by the voters of Johannesburg requires this kind of tenacity, to which I refer, to deliver it.

I have every confidence in newly appointed MMC De Jager and I wish him well in this new role. I am confident that he will serve the residents of our City with distinction.

– Caxton News Service

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