Legal fight over Tshwane city manager suspension escalates as unions and opposition act

Union files 40-page response arguing suspension unjustifiable

Solidarity wrote to Mayor Nasiphi Moya on behalf of suspended city manager Johann Mettler, submitting a 40-page written response that said the contemplated precautionary suspension was legally unjustifiable, even if council intended to investigate allegations that Mettler denied.

Suspension followed council motion on 30 June

Mettler was suspended on 30 June after a motion introduced by EFF councillor Obakeng Ramabodu and seconded by ANC deputy mayor Eugene Modise.

Opposition takes the matter to the Public Protector

Freedom Front Plus Tshwane caucus leader Grandi Theunissen wrote to Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka to lodge a formal complaint under Section 182 of the Constitution and the Public Protector Act, alleging maladministration, abuse of power and improper conduct within the city.

“I hereby lodge a formal complaint in terms of Section 182 of the Constitution and the Public Protector Act, regarding maladministration, abuse of power and improper conduct within the city,”

Theunissen has characterised the suspension as politically motivated, saying it was linked to Mettler’s refusal to approve irregular tenders and his insistence on lawful procurement processes. He said the suspension was initiated by councillors he described as connected to findings of irregular tender influence and was carried by the ruling coalition majority of ANC, EFF and ActionSA.

“This suspension was politically motivated, directly linked to Mettler’s refusal to approve irregular tenders and his insistence on lawful procurement processes.”

Procurement, forensic findings and a new portal

On Thursday, Deputy Mayor and MMC of Finance Eugene Modise launched the SAP Ariba e‑commerce and procurement portal. Modise said:

“public procurement was central to the delivery of municipal services because it depends on procurement systems that are transparent, efficient, compliant and accountable.”

Modise added that the portal “created a complete digital audit trail for every procurement transaction, ensuring that approvals, supplier engagements and procurement decisions are fully traceable,” and that the city had committed R237 million to the programme.

The DA Tshwane finance spokesperson, Jacqui Uys, pointed to the city’s own forensic investigation, saying Modise was found guilty of financially benefiting from Triotic Protection Services, a service provider that receives R3 million per month from the city.

What happens next

The matter has moved into legal and oversight channels: Solidarity has formally set out arguments opposing the suspension in writing to the mayor, and the Freedom Front Plus has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector. The dispute centers on procurement conduct, political motive and the procedural basis for the precautionary suspension.