Tshwane officially has its fourth mayor in just three years. After late-night negotiations between ActionSA and the ANC, ActionSA’s Dr Nasiphi Moya has been elected as the new mayor, marking a significant shift in leadership in the capital

So, what’s been going on in Tshwane? Well, it all started when former mayor Cilliers Brink was ousted on September 26th through a motion of no confidence led by the ANC. Since then, political parties have been scrambling to figure out who gets to steer the ship next.

After many back-and-forth talks, the ANC and ActionSA have reportedly reached an agreement: Dr. Nasiphi Moya, an ActionSA councillor and currently the acting mayor, will be the new mayor. The deal seems to be part of a broader plan for the ANC to share leadership in Gauteng. ActionSA’s leader, Herman Mashaba, was clear during negotiations—his party wanted to take the lead in the metro if the coalition was going to work.

“This is an important moment for ActionSA and for the people of Tshwane. We intend to go all out to demonstrate to all residents, irrespective of where they live, that Tshwane can be turned into a city that truly works for them,” said Mashaba. 

The ANC has also confirmed its backing of Moya. “The ANC is engaging all parties that are keen to work with us to set up an inclusive, viable and effective coalition government that puts the people of Tshwane first before party political interest,” said ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula at a media briefing held yesterday.

But not everyone agreed with this arrangement. The Democratic Alliance (DA) pushed for Brink to be reinstated. DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille even gave the ANC an ultimatum—reinstate Brink or risk further instability in the city. “Brink was an excellent mayor. We are renominating him; we are all going to vote for him again. He has provided sound leadership,” Zille said.

Unfortunately for the DA, the ANC found their demand unreasonable and sided with ActionSA instead. The ANC’s coalition partners, including the EFF, have also thrown their weight behind this new setup. The deal likely involves a power-sharing arrangement where smaller parties like the EFF and other minority players will be given positions in the mayoral committee.

So, what’s next? With Moya taking the mayoral seat, she’ll have much on her plate. Tshwane’s finances have been a mess, with the city struggling to pay debts, including those of Eskom and Rand Water. Last year’s municipal workers’ strike only added to the chaos, and residents—especially in less-affluent areas—have been demanding better service delivery.

The ANC hopes that with ActionSA in the driver’s seat, they can finally get things back on track. But with political alliances constantly shifting, who knows what’s around the corner? Either way, it’s safe to say that Tshwane residents will be watching closely to see if this new coalition can finally deliver on its promises.