Floyd Brink set for comeback as Joburg City Manager amid service delivery crisis

Johannesburg could soon see the return of a familiar figure to its most powerful administrative seat. Former City Manager Floyd Brink, once ousted by the courts, has emerged as the leading candidate to reclaim the position and his possible comeback is sparking both optimism and unease in a city desperate for stability.

A contested history

Brink’s name carries weight in Joburg’s municipal corridors. He previously served as the city’s top administrator, steering daily operations and long-term planning until his appointment was set aside by the Gauteng High Court last year. The court cited procedural irregularities in his hiring, leaving the city to scramble for interim leadership.

Despite that legal setback, Brink has returned to the selection table with an 81% interview score comfortably ahead of other candidates including former acting City Manager Tshepo Makola and ex-Joburg Property Company CEO Helen Botes. Botes, in particular, has faced scrutiny from the Special Investigating Unit for alleged negligence during her tenure.

A city in crisis

Brink’s potential reappointment comes at a critical time for Johannesburg. Residents have been grappling with rolling power outages, dry taps, crumbling infrastructure, and a growing sense of frustration with municipal leadership. Acting City Manager Kiba Kenana has been holding the fort, but critics say Joburg’s governance is stuck in limbo, with service delivery taking the knock.

For many, Brink’s experience could bring much-needed continuity. Supporters argue that his knowledge of the city’s complex systems makes him uniquely positioned to steady the ship. Others, however, are wary of the unresolved concerns surrounding his previous appointment, warning that his return could reignite old controversies.

What happens next

The city council will ultimately decide whether to reappoint Brink. Their choice carries high stakes: Johannesburg is South Africa’s economic hub, yet its declining infrastructure and governance failures have eroded public trust. For residents, the question is less about who sits in the city manager’s chair and more about whether life in Joburg will finally become a little more reliable.

Brink’s possible return may be a turning point or just another chapter in Joburg’s ongoing struggle to get its house in order.

Source:IOL 

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