High Court orders Tshwane city manager reinstated after ruling on unlawful suspension

The Pretoria High Court has ordered the reinstatement of Tshwane city manager Johann Mettler after finding that his suspension was unlawful because procedural irregularities altered the outcome of the suspension vote.

Ruling and immediate return

The court issued its ruling on 31 July 2026, and the reinstatement was reported on 2 August 2026. The judgement set aside the suspension imposed at a special council meeting held three weeks earlier.

Why the suspension was set aside

The court found that 13 councillors were improperly stripped of their voting rights, a procedural irregularity that the judgement said altered the vote that suspended Mettler. The ruling described the suspension as unlawful on that basis.

Reaction from Johann Mettler

“It was the most difficult thing to sit at home knowing that you belong at work,”

Mettler said, adding that he was thankful and grateful for the judgement and looking forward to returning to work immediately. He said he wanted to finish work he had started and complete it, and declined to comment on the allegations against him because an internal investigation was under way.

Political responses

DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink welcomed the judgment, calling it a victory for the DA and for the rule of law. Brink said the court had restored the lawful administration of the city by ordering Mettler’s return and that the decision set aside what he described as unlawful decisions by the ANC‑EFF‑ActionSA coalition.

ActionSA national chair Michael Beaumont criticised attempts to frame the ruling as a political victory and pointed to the leave of absence granted to a large number of DA and FF Plus councillors, which he said resulted in the speaker discounting their votes when they later arrived at the council meeting.

Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya acknowledged the court order for Mettler to resume his duties with immediate effect and said she respected the role of the judiciary in resolving disputes of this nature. Moya also noted that the interim order did not end the underlying statutory process and that allegations of misconduct must still be investigated in accordance with the city’s regulations.

The EFF, through MMC for health Tshegofatso Mashabela, said it would be appealing the interim decision.

“The matter is far from concluded and the legal process will continue,”

Mashabela said.

Ongoing context

The reinstatement comes amid a long‑running council struggle in Tshwane, with the DA heavily involved in the legal challenge that led to the High Court judgment.