ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has firmly reiterated his party’s stance not to support the removal of City of Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler, amidst escalating tensions within the coalition comprised of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African National Congress (ANC). This contention primarily revolves around allegations surrounding Mettler’s appointment and his handling of pension matters.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with YOUFM, Mashaba expressed surprise at the discord among coalition partners, stating that the issue had led to a fractious public spat. “The EFF and the ANC brought the matter to the Executive Mayor, Dr. Nasiphi Moya, alleging that Mettler was appointed irregularly,” he said.
“The mayor investigated this matter and found no evidence of wrongdoing, which we believed had resolved the concern.”
Mashaba highlighted ActionSA’s commitment to a fact-driven approach rather than acting on emotive responses. “We don’t act on emotions, but on facts. If you want ActionSA to be part of the removal of a competent City Manager who is doing a fantastic job, that is fundamentally not our problem.”
In a bid to maintain stability in the coalition government, Mashaba said: “This doesn’t have to lead to a collapse of a stable, competent coalition government at the country’s capital. We will not lose sleep over this matter. It’s up to those parties with a problem to exercise their rights, but they cannot expect support from ActionSA until they provide evidence.”
Mashaba’s comments came alongside a show of strength in other areas, as he, along with his Deputy Dr. Mbahare Kekana and other party leaders, recently laid criminal charges against Rustenburg Municipal Manager Adv. Ashmar Khuduge. Highlighting the importance of addressing corruption, Mashaba declared that the party is committed to eradicating fraud and mismanagement at local government levels.
“The evidence we have here is sufficient to prove the fraud and corruption charges against the municipal manager,” he stated, referencing the documentation submitted to local police. “Corruption has been declared enemy number one. We will not simply make noise but take actionable steps to deal with it aggressively.”
Mashaba affirmed, “We are going to ensure that this corruption is exposed, and we will not rest until justice is served. This is beyond people simply repaying the money they have stolen.”
