“Give Me Five Years and I’ll Turn Tshwane Around” – Cilliers Brink’s Pitch to Voters

Former City of Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink says voters should give him five years to prove he can turn the capital around. Speaking after being announced as the DA’s candidate for the 2026 local government elections, Brink argued that only a DA-led coalition can deliver stability and growth.

“The city is either going to be run by an ANC coalition or a DA coalition – as simple as that,” he told supporters, accusing the ANC of using backroom deals to tighten control of the city administration.

Energy and Investment Plans

Brink pointed to the 18 months he served as mayor, highlighting how his administration moved to lease the Rooiwal and Pretoria West power stations to private investors for 40 years. The plan, he said, would have allowed independent producers to restart generation or install solar facilities.

A budget of R50 million had even been set aside for a transactional advisor, but according to Brink, the ANC-led coalition that replaced him abandoned the project. “That investment opportunity has gone to waste,” he said.

Tough Decisions on Eskom Debt

Brink defended his record on Tshwane’s strained relationship with Eskom, recalling how his administration rejected a R600 million salary increase that unions demanded. The refusal sparked a strike, but he insisted it was the right choice.

“What enabled us to reach a payment arrangement with Eskom was saying no to unaffordable expenses. The ANC did not withdraw the case, and they didn’t pay the increase either – because the city cannot afford it,” he said.

Criticism of Current Coalition

Brink was blunt about the ANC-led coalition’s performance, accusing it of introducing nothing new besides a controversial cleansing levy. He argued that residents are already under financial pressure, calling the extra charge a bad move.

He also criticised the city’s approach to business regulation, pointing to the closure of a local restaurant in Brooklyn’s popular Village district. “They talk about shutting down foreign businesses, but they are also closing down South African ones. That’s not leadership – that’s chasing social media trends.”

A Vision for Tshwane

Using Brooklyn’s Village as an example of what Tshwane could become, Brink said the city should aspire to attract more investment, fix infrastructure, and create vibrant spaces. “The Village is diverse, thriving, and well-maintained. That’s the kind of growth our city should aim for,” he said.

Brink framed his candidacy as a choice between leadership that brings long-term stability or coalitions that govern by populism. “I don’t think there is a clear idea of where to take the city right now. Decisions are being made based on what trends online, not on facts or the rule of law.”

With 2026 looming, Brink is betting that voters will see his past record as proof he deserves another chance, this time with the full five years he says Tshwane needs.

{Source: TheCitizen}

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