With the election of a new mayor approaching, tensions are rising in Tshwane as municipal manager Johann Mettler faces criticism from the ANC and EFF for condemning the behaviour of municipal employees towards former mayor Cilliers Brink.
This comes after some municipal employees were captured on video clip circulating on social media, jeering Brink as he walked towards the parking lot at Tshwane House after he was ousted through a motion of no confidence during last week’s council sitting.
Mettler condemned such behaviour, saying it “has potential to tarnish and damage the reputation of this institution”.
In a letter penned to municipal workers, he said:“It was only a handful of employees who mistreated and abused Brink. In this institution we shall respect each and every party and their political leaders.”
He warned that a repeat of “the despicable behaviour”, will result in him implementing consequence management.
He said the crowd that celebrated Brink’ exit also hurled expletives in his face.
“I found this behaviour to be insensitive, humiliating, derogatory, inflammatory, offensive and downright despicable,”he said.
Reacting to Mettler’s stance, EFF regional leader Obakeng Ramabodu accused him of using scare tactics to intimidate and bully workers who dare to challenge the status quo.
“Mettler’s threats of consequence management are a clear indication of a dictatorial leadership style,” he said.
He further warned that Mettler’s days “are numbered and the power dynamics in Tshwane will shift in favour of the people”.
ANC caucus chief whip, Aaron Maluleka, also joined the fray by writing a letter to Mettler, expressing concern about the letter regarding the condemnation of bad behaviour of workers.
“It is my concern that your response appears to take a specific political stance, which undermines the objective leadership that our city needs. The decisions made during your tenure, particularly the suspension of 43 workers—two of whom tragically lost their lives—have raised significant questions about accountability and sensitivity,”he said.
He cited that there are ongoing instances of victimisation against employees not aligned with the DA.
“Reports indicate that Mr Jordan Griffith, Chief of Staff to the former Executive Mayor, has been involved in these actions without facing appropriate repercussions. This situation has created a hostile work environment, and it is disheartening to see a lack of intervention from your office in addressing these grievances,”he said.
In the letter, Maluleka also pointed out to Mettler that it is essential for the reputation of Tshwane administration and the welfare of employees to prioritise ethical governance over political allegiances.
“I hope that in moving forward, we can work towards a more inclusive and fair approach that truly represents the interests of all city workers and residents,”he said.
DA caucus spokesperson, Kwena Moloto, said criticisms by both the ANC and the EFF against Mettler was “the first sign of things to come under this Doomsday Pact which has set its eyes on governing Tshwane”.
“Instead of taking responsibility for his own lack of leadership, he (Maluleka) has penned a letter to Mettler accusing him of political favouritism,” he said.
Moloto said Ramabodu has on various occasions launched inappropriate attacks on Mettler and his senior management team.
“They are taking aim at independent, non-political senior managers, so that they can replace them with their own discredited cadres,”he said.
Pretoria News