Tshwane’s coalition shows signs of stability after a rollercoaster year

(The Post News) – The City of Tshwane is officially ‘turning a corner’ after one year under its multi-party coalition government. This was according to the executive mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, who has credited honesty and collaboration for rescuing the capital city from crisis.

Speaking at the one-year anniversary celebration on October 14, 2025, Moya presented feedback on the governments performance. “One year ago, this multi-party coalition government took office and made a promise to restore our capital city,” Moya stated, highlighting that, “Today, we present a city that is rebuilding.”

She contrasted the dire situation they inherited with the tangible progress achieved. Moya recalled the circumstances when the coalition took office in October 2024.

“In October 2024, when this coalition took office, Tshwane was in crisis. The city’s finances were unstable after years of tabling unfunded budgets. Debt was mounting, with the city on the verge of defaulting on over R6.7 billion owed to Eskom. Confidence was crumbling,” she said.

She further added that infrastructure was deteriorating, with investment into maintenance having collapsed.

“There was no funding to build new bulk infrastructure. Many communities felt forgotten or left behind,” said Moya.

The mayor said, however, the key that led to a turnaround, was unity, “We committed to honesty, accountability, and unity of purpose.”

Moya revealed that independent agencies have confirmed that Tshwane’s finances are stabilising, noting improved debt and liquidity management.

“For the first time in years, Tshwane has tabled a fully funded budget. We have reached and maintained a payment agreement with Eskom. The city’s Eskom debt has been reduced from R6.7 billion to R5.6 billion,” said Moya.

She emphasised that these are not slogans or aspirations, but measurable steps towards recovery.

Moreover, beyond the numbers, Moya highlighted the governments’ renewed focus on community engagement.

“We have also restored direct communication with our residents. Through the city’s Imbizo programme, we have visited all seven regions. We have met communities face to face. We have listened, and we have reported back,” she said.

She insisted that these engagements are rebuilding trust and are proving that the government is present and responsive.

“No longer are IDP meetings a tick-box exercise run by a government that ignored those outside its constituency,” she emphasised.

Moya added that Tshwane has made progress in building a safer city through the Reclaim Our City campaign.

“We have stepped up by-law enforcement and crime prevention. The SA Cities Network recently named Tshwane as South Africa’s safest metro,” she said.

She highlighted that the recognition reflects the efforts of the Tshwane Metro Police Department, community safety teams, and the residents who continue to stand up to crime.

“Visibility has improved, and our partnerships with national and provincial agencies are making a difference,” she said.

In her final message to the residents of Tshwane, Moya credited the teamwork within the coalition for proving that collaboration triumphs over conflict.

“I want to thank my colleagues in the Mayoral Executive Committee, from the ANC, the EFF, ActionSA, the AIC, the DOP, the PA, the ATM, GOOD, and the PAC. Together, we have shown that collaboration can succeed where conflict once prevailed,” she said.

Members of the Mayoral Committee reported on progress in their portfolios and spoke to the work done under Tshwane’s six strategic priorities: