Former Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink sets sights on 2026 after a tough defeat to Moya

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has vowed to defend Tshwane residents from the “Doomsday Pact” following the election of Nasiphi Moya as the new mayor of the capital.

On Wednesday, 9 October, the City of Tshwane council elected its fourth mayor in three years after ActionSA and the African National Congress (ANC) reached a deal about the future of Tshwane.

DA SAYS NASIPHI MOYA IS A ‘PROXY MAYOR’

In September, ActionSA pulled out of the multiparty coalition government led by the DA. Party leader Herman Mashaba then announced that the party would support the motion of no confidence tabled by the ANC against Brink.

Eventually, Brink was ousted after 120 councillors voted in favour of his removal on 26 September.

Despite negotiating even with the ANC to have Brink re-elected as mayor, the DA failed to reach an agreement with the former ruling party. As a result, Brink received just 86 votes while Moya received 122 votes as she was backed by the ANC and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Brink, who is now the DA’s caucus leader in the City of Tshwane, said the ANC has chosen to govern the capital city in coalition with the EFF and other parties opposed to the government of national unity (GNU).

Brink said this signifies a reunion between the ANC and its former radical economic transformation (RET) faction, and bodes ill for the financial rescue mission underway in the City of Tshwane.

“ActionSA’s Mayor Nasiphi Moya will be in the office, but she will not be in power. Her strings will be pulled by the ANC’s Gauteng factions and the EFF. This is not a commentary on her skills or qualifications. She was a capable deputy mayor in the Tshwane multi-party coalition which her party brought to a fall,” Brink said.

Looking to the 2026 local government elections, Brink said he wanted to finish the job he started in Tshwane.

“In 2026 the DA will seek a mandate strong enough to overcome the efforts of ANC RET factions and the EFF to sabotage effective government, one that can finish the job of building a Capital City that works for all its people,” the former mayor said.

Likewise, the Freedom Front Plus said the former coalition government, of which the FF Plus was part, worked very hard to restore and rebuild Tshwane, and it is doubtful whether the new administrators will carry on the good work.

FF Plus councillor Grandi Theunissen said ActionSA’s constant conniving has jeopardised stability in Tshwane by placing it in the hands of a government which has already proven itself to be incompetent.

“The FF Plus wants to assure Tshwane residents that the party will work harder than ever as opposition to keep a watchful eye on the new government and hold it accountable, where necessary,” Theunissen said.

WELL WISHES FOR THE NEW MAYOR

ANC secretary in Gauteng Thembinkosi Nciza said the party backed Moya because with roughly 16 months left before the 2026 local government elections they wanted a mayor with suitable qualifications and who is well experienced.

“You need someone with a bit of experience who has been at the helm of this metro for some time. So, we felt she is the right candidate and we can work with her as the ANC,” he said.

ActionSA said Nasiphi Moya is a highly qualified individual with extensive experience in local government to restore good governance and fix the capital city.

“It’s time to embark on a new course of action for Tshwane and turn it into a City that works for all residents,” the party said.

Party leader Herman Mashaba also wished her well.

“Congratulations Dr Nasiphi Moya on your election as the new Mayor of Tshwane! I have full confidence in your ability to lead Tshwane and turn it into a City that serves all its residents, no matter where they live,” he posted on X.

The EFF in Tshwane also welcomed Moya’s appointment saying it symbolises a new era for the metro and a departure from the era of incompetence and neglect perpetuated by the previous administration.

EFF chairperson in Tshwane Obakeng Ramabodu said the removal of Cilliers Brink signifies a victory for justice and equality in the metro, a step towards rectifying the wrongs of the past and ushering in a new era of transparency, accountability and good governance.

“The squatter camps and townships of Tshwane, long neglected and deprived of essential service, have finally been given hope with the removal of Brink.

“This victory is not just for the residents of these communities but for all those who have been marginalised and overlooked by the previous administration,” Ramabodu added.