Tshwane city manager’s ‘preoccupation with misgivings’ disrupts service delivery

“There has been an adverse effect on service delivery in the metro because the city manager has been preoccupied with dealing with his misgivings with the political leadership.”

This was according to Tshwane mayoral spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi, who told Pretoria East Rekord that the suspensions of certain top officials, such as of the group head for roads and transport, did not bode well for the city’s ability to provide services.

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While mayor Solly Msimanga and embattled city manager Moeketsi Mosola’s relationship has broken down in recent months, service delivery backlogs are prevalent throughout the metro.

The outgoing mayor’s three bids to have Mosola suspended all failed, with the last occurring on Thursday when the EFF and ANC voted together at the first council sitting of the year to save the embattled city manager.

Mgobozi said there was a wide range of challenges affecting the city, but were not unique to Tshwane.

“Things like housing backlogs and stormwater drainage need to be prioritised especially in these summer months.

“In any event, all the service delivery needs that affect any other metro affect us too, from reliable electricity supply to stimulating the city economy and creating opportunities for our people.”

Msimanga also survived the third motion of no confidence against him put forward by the ANC, arguing that he had to resign with immediate effect.

Msimanga said the motion was merely a “political ploy and a grab at relevance after I had already resigned making their motion entirely superfluous”.

On the relationship between the DA and the EFF, Msimanga said his party was not in a formal coalition. “We are voting together on a case-by-case based on the issues of the day.

“We have had a robust interaction with the EFF for the last two years.

“If the EFF wants to give power back to the ANC, they must explain this to their constituents. We have a good relationship with the coalition partners with whom we have a formal agreement,” said Msimanga.

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