INTERIM ORDER: DA claims victory after court overturns Tshwane city manager’s suspension
DA wins interim court order allowing Johann Mettler to resume as Tshwane city manager while judges review whether the council’s 9 July suspension was lawful.
Gauteng High Court overturns Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler's suspension, allowing him to resume his role pending a review of the council's actions. The court ruled that Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana exceeded his authority by excluding 13 votes from councillors on leave of absence before deciding to suspend Mettler. Tshwane Council Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana wrongfully dismissed 13 votes before declaring Mettler's suspension, but the court found this decision unlawful.
The DA challenged the Speaker's action, arguing he lacked the authority to determine which councillors' votes counted. Acting Judge Karin Pillay upheld the DA's claim, stating that Mettler is entitled to continue as city manager until the review application is resolved. The court did not make a final decision on the legality of the 9 July council meeting; that matter will be determined in the review application.
Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya pledged to respect the court's decision and continue with the disciplinary process against Mettler. DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink praised the ruling as a victory for Tshwane residents, emphasizing that political majorities cannot ignore the law or manipulate council processes to protect politically connected individuals.
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