In a dramatic political turnaround, the City of Johannesburg council has officially reinstated Floyd Brink as its City Manager, filling a critical leadership vacuum that has persisted for months. The reappointment comes almost a year after the Gauteng High Court ejected him from the same position, declaring his initial appointment “unconstitutional, unlawful, and invalid.”
Brink’s return marks the latest chapter in a protracted power struggle over who controls the administration of South Africa’s economic hub. He was originally forced out in December after the DA successfully challenged the process that saw him hired by the ANC-led coalition government.
A Controversial but “Leading” Candidate
This time, the city asserts the process was above board. According to the municipality, Brink emerged as the top candidate from a pool of 11 applicants, scoring 81% during the assessment phase. He beat out other contenders, including the controversial former Johannesburg Property Company CEO, Helen Botes, who scored among the lowest at 48%.
The council’s decision positions Brink, who boasts over 22 years of experience in financial management, engineering, and business administration, back at the helm of the city’s administration.
High Hopes from the Governing Coalition
The ANC-led coalition was quick to champion the appointment. ANC councillor and MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Nkosephayo Zungu, described Brink as an “invaluable asset.”
“We believe his strategic vision and commitment to service delivery will significantly contribute to realising our city’s vision of a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive metropolis,” Zungu said.
The municipality’s official statement framed the move as a “strategic” commitment to “robust leadership and effective governance,” tasking Brink with navigating urban complexities, optimising service delivery, and fostering economic development.
A Rocky Road to Ratification
The path to this reappointment was not smooth. Just a week before the final vote, a special council meeting called to ratify Brink collapsed into what opposition party ActionSA described as “political theatrics and procedural delays.”
The meeting was characterized by hours of caucus breaks called by the ANC, EFF, and Patriotic Alliance before the motion was abruptly withdrawn, highlighting the deep-seated political tensions that continue to plague the council.
Now, with the political maneuvering seemingly over, the real work begins. Brink returns to a city grappling with service delivery challenges, infrastructure decay, and financial pressures. His PhD and extensive CV will be put to the ultimate test as he steps back into one of the most demanding and scrutinized municipal roles in the country, with the shadow of his previous, unlawful appointment still lingering.
