GOOD Press Statement by Sarah Mabotsa,
GOOD City of Tshwane Councillor
07 March 2023
The continued disruption of leadership in Tshwane, and the immense mess it has created, is as a result of selfish political games by all major parties in the City.
Tshwane needs a stable government which puts its residents first. However, what we have is a metro that is practically bankrupt, service delivery is at an all time low and the capital has been on the brink of being placed under administration.
Unfortunately, both the DA- and ANC-led coalitions have failed to form a sustainable government.
While GOOD had chosen to support the continuation of a stable government led by the DA last week, it seems that even they, together with ActionSA and partners, were unable to get the support from their own councilors.
The subsequent appointment of COPE’s Dr Murunwa Makwarela as Mayor by the ANC group has now descended into further chaos, after it was revealed that he has been removed by the City Manager.
It turns out Dr Makwarela is an un-rehabilitated insolvent and is disqualified from holding public office. Yet, not only was he appointed as Mayor, he has also been a councilor in Tshwane since 2021 and was appointed as Speaker in the City Council in January 2022.
At the time, his appointment to the position of Speaker was part of a coalition agreement with the DA and its partners. When he was on that side, the ANC and EFF had called for his resignation amidst allegations of sexual assault, but one year later, Dr Makwarela suddenly enjoyed the support of the ANC and the EFF to assume the position of mayor.
This is a clear example of the extent of the mess created by all major parties in the Tshwane Council.
The fact that Dr Makwarela has thus been supported over the last year to be elected as both Speaker and Mayor respectively by all of these major parties is alarming. And the City Manager has been a part of this process.
It would also appear as if certain parties withheld the information that Dr Makwarela was not eligible for public office while it suited them – and now that the tables have turned, they have pursued their own political agendas to have him removed.
GOOD would like the City Manager to come clean and confirm when and how he found out about Dr Makwarela’s insolvency. Furthermore, we would like the City Manager to address why the rules and regulations regarding the appointment of Council Members were not implemented and adhered to.
The current path of Tshwane is unsustainable and will only lead to further despair for residents if politicians do not start acting like responsible adults and leaders. The possibility of being placed under administration once again remains, and would delay any sort of progress in the City.
Media Enquiries:
Sarah Mabotsa, GOOD City of Tshwane Councillor
Cell: 064 684 8640
Email: smabotsamuthivhi@gmail.com
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za