By Doreen Mokgolo
Dr Nasipha Moya of ActionSA is now Tshwane’s new mayor, beating former mayor Cilliers Brink in a secret ballot.
Moya, backed by the ANC and EFF, got 122 votes. The DA’s Brink got 86 votes.
Since 2016, the DA has led Tshwane with other parties. ActionSA recently left this group and voted with the ANC to remove Brink.
Under Brink, township residents complained about poor services. Tshwane also owes Eskom R3.2-billion as of 31 August.
In her speech, Moya promised to bring stability to Tshwane.
“I’m not just ActionSA’s mayor, but Tshwane’s mayor,” she said.
“Since taking office as the deputy mayor, I have engaged with various councillors, officials and communities across the [metro’s] seven regions.”
Moya said many Tshwane residents have expressed concerns about the growing divide between the affluent and the disadvantaged, which has become a defining characteristic of the metro.
“The people are facing challenges in accessing basic services and opportunities. I am committed to working towards creating a more just and inclusive city where all residents will access services,” she said.
Moya, who was Tshwane’s chief of staff, has a PhD in political science and a master’s in public policy.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Tsiri said the party is worried about Tshwane’s money problems. She wants the new leaders who will be elected this week to the mayoral council to fix the metro’s finances and improve services within four weeks.
Tsiri added they won’t let any party make unreasonable demands in Tshwane’s new government setup.
Pictured above: Tshwane’s new mayor, Dr Nasipha Moya.
Source: Supplied