Cape Town — Tshwane Metro Mayor, Cilliers Brink, has dismissed the claims that he’s to resign from his post and return to parliament as an MP, despite the municipality’s financial troubles.
Brink was formerly an MP for four years before he became the city mayor in March 2023. ANC Member and former Tshwane mayor, Kgosi Maepa, took to X and said Brink was set to resign from his post as he was among the DA’s list of members for their 2024 candidate list. The two were involved in a back and forth interaction on X.
“BREAKING NEWS: Mayor of Tshwane about to resign! Credible sources tell us that Mayor Brink is about to resign. He attended a DA interview for selection of Members of Parliament for 2024 elections. Apparently DA is deeply worried about imminent released of AG report.” Maepa said.
“Dear Dr Mampara — I’m going nowhere. The last candidate you fielded in Tshwane was an unrehabilitated insolvent. We’re trying to save Tshwane from insolvency, and from networks of corruption serving your comrades. Maybe you should pay attention to your coalitions in Joburg & Ekh.” Brink said in reponse
Dear Dr Mampara — I’m going nowhere. The last candidate you fielded in Tshwane was an unrehabilitated insolvent. We’re trying to save Tshwane from insolvency, and from networks of corruption serving your comrades. Maybe you should pay attention to your coalitions in Joburg & Ekh. https://t.co/GLYfGlrErD
— Cilliers Brink (@CilliersB) February 14, 2024
TimesLIVE reported that the municipality is currently owed R23bn and stands the risk to lose millions worth of development grants. Brink tabled a financial plan for the metro to claw back a portion of the debts owed by consumers.
Brink, in his financial rescue plan, said the metro would reduce expenditure to about R1bn monthly in the next six months.
“What we have to our advantage is a R23.3bn debtors’ book that we aim to turn into cash. If a quarter of this debtor’s book is collectable, it is collectable in the next six months. If we succeed, we improve our cash flow, our Eskom account as well as our credibility and creditworthiness,” he said.
“Further to this, the city plans on reducing expenditure by R1bn each month for the next six months. This will be achieved through reducing bulk expenses, ensuring that all customers receive their billing and resolving billing disputes speedily.” Brink added.
National Treasury also flagged that the municipality risked losing more than R600m in development grants.
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Picture: X/@tshwane_mayor
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
