DA cries foul as ANC pushes for vote to remove Tshwane City manager
This follows a letter from Gauteng Cooperative Governance MEC Jacob Mamabolo last month, flagging alleged irregularities in the hiring process of a management support officer.
FILE: A City of Tshwane Council meeting. Picture: Thabiso Goba/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The political future of Tshwane's City Manager, Johann Mettler, is in limbo after being caught in the crossfire of a tug-of-war between the ANC and the DA over his appointment.
This follows a letter from Gauteng Cooperative Governance MEC Jacob Mamabolo last month, flagging alleged irregularities in the hiring process of a management support officer.
Meanwhile, the City insists the same process was followed in the hiring of MSO, Mettler, and other section 56 managers.
The ANC is calling for Mettler's removal, while the DA is crying foul, accusing the ANC of working with its provincial counterparts to oust an “honest official.”
READ: Tshwane's senior staffers intend to finish terms amid reports they were ‘irregularly hired’
Like all Section 56 managers, Johan Mettler’s appointment as city manager had to be approved by the city council.
Mettler's appointment was approved in August 2022 by a council under a DA-led coalition.
The cooperative governance MEC at the time also gave concurrence on Mettler’s appointment.
The DA in Tshwane has now questioned the timing of the pushback against Mettler.
Meanwhile, Mettler said he was relaxed about the matter.
"I would welcome any investigation; I will give my full cooperation with the investigation."
The ANC in Tshwane said it would be petitioning the speaker to set down a council meeting for a debate and vote on Mettler’s appointment.