Trouble in Tshwane coalition paradise

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has warned that ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba could jeopardise the coalition government in the City of Tshwane if he does not “humble himself.”

Tensions have been mounting between coalition partners, the African National Congress (ANC), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA, over city manager Johann Mettler’s continued presence in office.

The ANC and EFF in the city have been pushing for Mettler’s removal, citing alleged irregularities in his 2022 appointment. They argue his hiring was unlawful and want a special council meeting to address it.

However, critics like the Democratic Alliance (DA) allege that the real motive is to replace Mettler, an independent technocrat, partly because of Mettler’s refusal to drop a case linked to ANC funder Edwin Sodi.

They allege that the parties are trying to replace Mettler with a politically aligned figure to gain control over tenders and appointments.

ActionSA, whose Dr. Nasiphi Moya is Tshwane mayor, has firmly opposed his removal without legal justification

Speaking on EWN’s Politricking podcast, Malema accused ActionSA and its leader of having an ego and not listening to its coalition partners – something that could “kill” the coalition.

Malema criticised Mashaba’s influence, saying ActionSA was handed the mayorship despite lacking significant electoral support or “struggle credentials.”

He called it a major ANC compromise, accepting the deputy mayor position to form a coalition despite having nearly four times the councillors.

“The problem is not the ANC this time around, the problem is Herman, whose party has less numbers than the ANC,” said Malema.

“He is behaving like he has power. Ego is what is going to kill these people’s political careers.”

Speaking directly to Mashaba, Malema told him: “Humble yourself. They are not saying they don’t want ActionSA, they’re saying they have a problem with this municipal manager, they put their facts on the table.”

“Listen to them, okay, agree, and then start a process jointly, collectively to come up with a city manager.”

Malema warned that ignoring coalition partners’ calls to remove the city manager, despite ActionSA’s smaller numbers, could destabilise the city.

In response, ActionSA chairperson Michael Beaumont warned of a “massive fallout” if Moya were subjected to a motion of no confidence.

“All I can say is God help the party that brings that motion because the public fallout will make the reaction to General Mkhwanazi look like a Sunday picnic,” said Beaumont.

“If you think the reaction to General Mkhwanazi was big, I would like you to consider very carefully how the residents of Tshwane would respond to anyone who tries to remove this mayor, given the progress they are starting to see in their communities.”

The Tshwane coalition

In October 2024, the City of Tshwane council elected Moya as its fourth mayor in three years.

Following the 2024 national and provincial elections, ActionSA changed its tune about working with the ANC at a local government level, while opting to sit in opposition benches at a national and provincial level.

At local level, ANC and ActionSA cooperated to oust Johannesburg and Tshwane mayors, enabling ANC and ActionSA leaders to take key positions, the speakership and mayorships.

The ANC in Johannesburg has since removed the ActionSA council speaker.

Moya’s candidacy was supported by the ANC, ActionSA, EFF and other minority parties. She had previously served as Deputy Mayor during the previous coalition comprising the DA, VF+, ActionSA, ACDP and IFP.

However, ActionSA’s relationship with the DA soured and the party decided to cut ties and support the no confidence motion.

Mashaba said that prior to Moya’s appointment, Tshwane “on the brink of collapse”, claiming finances were in disarray, and townships deeply neglected.

“This reality informed our decision to withdraw from that coalition and reconstitute a new administration under the leadership of Dr Nasiphi Moya and her committed multiparty partners,” he said.

The current mayoral committee consists of:

• ActionSA: 1 Mayor, 2 MMCs
• ANC: 1 Deputy Mayor, 5 MMCs
• EFF: 2 MMCs
• GOOD: 1 MMC
• ATM: 1 Speaker