ANC Greater Tshwane Region spokesperson Joel Masilela has accused the previous DA-led administration of making incorrect appointments of senior managers in the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), claiming the moves undermined effective law enforcement in the capital city.
Speaking ahead of Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya’s anticipated State of the Capital Address, Masilela defended the current coalition government’s performance after nearly two years in office. He highlighted several areas of progress while acknowledging persistent service delivery challenges.
Masilela said the coalition, which includes the ANC, ActionSA, the EFF and smaller parties, inherited a financially distressed municipality that had been grey-listed by global ratings agency Moody’s. This reflected poor fiscal management and prevented the city from paying creditors such as Eskom, Rand Water and other service providers.
Key achievements cited by the spokesperson include stabilising the city’s finances, which enabled the payment of a long-outstanding 3.5% salary increase for workers — something the previous administration had refused, warning it would trigger a financial crisis. The last clean audit opinion for the city was recorded in 2017 under ANC governance, after which audit outcomes deteriorated, he noted.
On infrastructure, Masilela pointed to efforts to stabilise electricity substations that had been failing frequently, as part of a broader strategy to support economic growth targeting 3.5% between now and 2029. The administration is also advancing the “Electricity for All” programme to curb illegal connections and the criminal electricity economy.
Regarding crime, Masilela said the ANC had advocated for greater involvement in TMPD affairs to ensure professional by-law enforcement free from political interference. He specifically blamed wrong senior manager appointments made under the DA administration for weaknesses in the department and said corrective measures are now underway.
Water challenges, particularly in areas such as Hammanskraal, remain a concern. Masilela noted that the city previously held Blue Drop status for water quality before 2016, but standards declined under the DA. The current administration has requested national government intervention, leading to the appointment of Magalies Water to supply clean water in affected areas. Parts of Hammanskraal have begun receiving improved water supply as a result, though it is described as a temporary measure while longer-term solutions are pursued.
To address reliance on external contractors and alleged inefficiencies linked to the “water tanker mafia,” the coalition has taken a decision to purchase 40 internal water tankers. This move is intended to reduce costs and limit millions of rands previously spent under the prior administration.
Masilela also emphasised ongoing work to formalise informal settlements by installing proper infrastructure, including clean running water, to move beyond temporary tanker deliveries.
Despite remaining issues such as power outages affecting parts of the metro, high crime levels in areas like Atteridgeville, and widespread poverty, Masilela expressed confidence in the coalition’s direction. He described a “beautiful working relationship” among the ANC, ActionSA, the EFF and smaller parties, and reaffirmed support for Mayor Moya’s leadership.
The spokesperson stressed that the coalition has been in power for just under two years and argued that the strides made in financial recovery and infrastructure stabilisation are significant, even as residents continue to face daily hardships.
Mayor Moya is expected to outline further service delivery priorities in her State of the Capital Address.
