SPECIAL REPORT | TSHWANE COALITION UNDER PRESSURE AS ACTIONSA, ANC AND EFF CLASH OVER KEY DECISIONS

Mamelodi News | Tshwane

Political tensions within the City of Tshwane's multiparty coalition appear to be escalating as coalition partners publicly disagree over major governance decisions ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The coalition, comprising ActionSA, the ANC and the EFF, has recently been divided over the suspension of City Manager Johann Mettler.

While ActionSA has opposed Mettler's suspension, its coalition partners have taken a different position, exposing growing divisions within the governing alliance.

The ANC has also intensified its criticism of Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya's administration, accusing the City of using by-law enforcement as a tool to target township businesses rather than simply enforcing municipal regulations.

The party described the ongoing enforcement campaign as a "vicious, anti-black business crusade", alleging that it disproportionately affects informal traders and township economies. The ANC further argued that the City's policies are increasingly hostile towards poor communities struggling to survive.

The disagreements became even more public after the Gauteng High Court's interim decision to reinstate Johann Mettler.

Following the ruling, EFF MMC for Health Tshegofatso Mashabela criticised Mayor Moya's response, saying it reflected ActionSA's position rather than that of the coalition as a whole.

"Unfortunately, the mayor's statement reflects the position of her political party (ActionSA) and its funders, not that of the multiparty coalition or the city as a whole. The matter is far from over and the legal process will continue," Mashabela said.

The public exchanges have fuelled speculation about the stability of the coalition at a time when residents continue to raise concerns over service delivery, water shortages, electricity outages and economic challenges across Tshwane.

With the 2026 Local Government Elections approaching, political analysts say the disagreements could have significant implications for governance in South Africa's capital if coalition partners continue to publicly challenge one another.

What do you think? Can the Tshwane multiparty coalition continue governing effectively despite these public disagreements, or are the divisions becoming too deep? Share your views in the comments.