Tshwane mayor Gwen Ramokgopa has denied allegations of financial mismanagement, but after consultation with the regional African National Congress (ANC) has decided to reshuffle the city’s leadership.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Tuesday, Ramokgopa was adamant that the reshuffle and redeployment of mayoral committee members was necessary to ”strengthen the leadership and management of the city”.
She denied allegations of mismanagement and maladministration even after the city amassed a debt of R3,7-billion earlier this year, R800-million of which was for services not paid by the residents of Mamelodi.
”I have not received any formal allegations. What I’m worried about is what the media is reporting, I don’t think it is correct for allegations to run around untested.
”Trust me to act if those speculations have any merit. I have done it before. There is a track record.”
Although Ramokgopa blamed some of the city’s financial woes on the global financial crisis, she acknowledged that some spending had not been prudent and that revenue collection had been problematic.
She said the city was nonetheless on track to continue to deliver services to its residents.
”Good governance is non-negotiable, indeed we want zero-tolerance.”
As of September, the city had reduced its debt book by R20-million. By October, it had met its target of reducing its overdraft of R1,2-billion to R800-million.
”We achieved that. That target,” said Ramokgopa.
One of the new portfolios created by the reshuffle was city planning and economic development headed by Subesh Pillay, who was formerly in charge of public works. His position would be taken over by Sello Huma.
Housing MMC Absalom Ditshoke and Zodwa Masondo from social development were replaced by housing and human settlements MMC Morakane Mosupye and Sydney Nkwashu respectively.
Ramokgopa said city manager Kiba Kekana would remain in his position.
Tshwane Speaker Khorombi Dau would be deployed to the portfolio of sports, arts, culture and recreation. His replacement would be named on Thursday. — Sapa