Tshepiso Msimanga

DA’s Msimanga denies outgoing Tshwane mayor was pushed. Image: Twitter

Msimanga says Tshwane mayor was not pushed out

The SA Municipal Workers Union’s (Samwu) chairperson Nkhetheni Muthavhi, said Williams’ resignation on Monday had lifted staff morale.

Tshepiso Msimanga

DA’s Msimanga denies outgoing Tshwane mayor was pushed. Image: Twitter

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng leader, Solly Msimanga has denied claims that the party pushed out Tshwane Mayor Randall Williams.

ALSO READ: South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Friday, 17 February 2023

Msimanga briefed the media on Thursday at the party’s alternative State of the Province Address in Johannesburg

WE DID NOT REMOVE HIM – MSIMANGA

“No we did not remove him,” Msimanga said.

‘Do you have a plan to deal with the issue of finances? Do you have a plan and the energy to ensure that there is political stability going forward?’ These were only some of the questions asked of Williams, regards helping the situation.

According to Msimanga, Williams feels like he has been targeted by some of the coalition partners that he might not be able to implement fully what he will want to implement in the City of Tshwane. 

ALSO READ: Randall Williams announced as new mayor of Tshwane

As reported by IOL, the shock exit by Tshwane’s executive mayor Randall Williams from office this week has been described as a breath of fresh air for the municipality.

ALSO READ: The Tshwane coalition welcomes the mayor’s resignation

RESIGNATION IN EFFECT END FEBRUARY

Williams’ resignation, is due to come into effect at the end of February. This comes after a report from the auditor general which flagged over R10 billion in irregular expenses in the city.

“That is why he decided that even with a plan in place, someone else might be able to see it to fruition. But also the other reason is that his health is not the greatest. As you know, he spent quite a lot of time in hospital as well,”

Msimanga said.

The report saw the EFF calls for the mayor to resign, while the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) has demanded that he account for the missing billions. 

ALSO READ: EFF wants Tshwane Mayor, Randall Williams to resign immediately

As previously reported by The South African, EFF leader, Julius Malema says Williams is incompetent; like Cyril Ramaphosa, he must step down with immediate effect.

“The systems have collapsed & nothing is going in the right direction. The coalition partners must initiate a motion of no confidence if he refuses to step down & we will support,” Malema said.