Johann Mettler addresses allegations of irregularities amid potential ousting as Tshwane city manager

Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler has broken his silence about the potential threat of being ousted from his position after the regional ANC recently expressed concerns about alleged irregularities in his appointment process.

At a media briefing at Tshwane House, where he unveiled two business units aimed at improving service delivery, he acknowledged being aware of rumours surrounding his potential dismissal.

He said: “I am, however, employed by the council, and it is the council in the end that would have to make a decision, one way or the other. And they would have to do so on the basis of investigation and on the basis of facts, and they have to be fair. That is a process in any event.”

He emphasised that his focus remains on delivering services to residents and businesses, effectively running the city's administrative affairs.

“My focus is to improve on our performance... We have performed exceptionally well and each and every single political party is in fact on record as acknowledging the exceptional performance of this administration,” he said.

Mettler said he was employed by the City Council, and any questions about possible irregularities would be best answered by them.

The controversy surrounding Mettler's appointment follows a letter from Gauteng MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, to Mayor Nasiphi Moya, inquiring about the integrity of the appointment process for Section 56 managers, including Mettler's.

ANC regional secretary George Matjila recently said the appointments of the city manager and several senior managers are under scrutiny due to concerns over potential irregularities in the composition of their interview panels.

The ANC is part of a coalition government in Tshwane, alongside the EFF, ActionSA, and other parties, forming a multi-party administration.

The ANC is expected to brief the media on Friday regarding “the irregular appointment of the city manager by the DA”.

Former DA mayor of Tshwane, Cilliers Brink, released a statement last week suggesting that the coalition government would target professional senior managers to make way for loyalists. 

He said: “It was just a matter of time before the ANC coalition in the Tshwane metro moved against professional senior managers in the municipal administration to make way for their cadres. In order to have its way with Tshwane, as it has done in Joburg, the ANC and its coalition partners need the city's senior management staffed by people appointed for loyalty instead of merit.”

In response, Matjila said: “They have a history of appointing people wrongly. So, if for any other reason find fault, we are going to call for those people to be removed from the ANC. We are not going to nurse the feelings of the DA and Brink.” 

Mayoral spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi confirmed that Moya has responded to MEC Mamabolo's letter and is awaiting feedback, promising a media briefing soon.

Mamabolo's spokesperson, Theo Nkonki, has yet to respond to a request for comment.

Mettler has welcomed any investigation into his appointment, saying: “Anything that might have happened in the past must be investigated, and I would welcome any investigation and I would give my full cooperation with any investigation. But, I must insist that that is not my focus. My focus is on running the city.” 

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za