From the brink to new ‘beacon’ of local government, Tshwane coalition marks a year

One year after Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya’s multi-party coalition took charge, the City of Tshwane is showing signs of long-overdue recovery—proving that ethical, people-first leadership can still deliver results in South Africa’s failing local government landscape.

When Moya and her coalition government were sworn into office a year ago, Tshwane was teetering on the edge of collapse.

The city is governed by a multiparty coalition led by the African National Congress (ANC), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and ActionSA.

Years of financial mismanagement, crumbling infrastructure, and postcode-based service delivery left residents disillusioned and neglected—particularly in communities like Winterveldt, Soshanguve, and Atteridgeville.

In a statement by ActionSA, under Moya’s leadership, Tshwane has passed its first fully funded budget in years, slashed historic Eskom debt from R6.7 billion to R5.6 billion, and achieved a R1.9 billion budget surplus in the first quarter of the current financial year.

ActionSA, a key coalition partner, said these results vindicate the removal of the former DA-led administration and highlight what’s possible when “committed, credible, and capable leaders work in the interest of residents.”

According to ActionSA, here is the turnaround that the coalition:

- More jobs created in the last quarter than Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni combined

- R86 billion in pledged investment following the Tshwane Investment Summit

- Debt collection success through "Tshwane Ya Tima" has reduced the city's debtors' book from R35 billion to under R28 billion

-Auditor-General red flags dropped from 13 to just 6 areas of concern

- Over 220km of roads resurfaced and 78% of reported potholes repaired

- 3,368 title deeds handed over, expanding dignity and ownership

- 200 new TMPD officers recruited for the first time in a decade

ActionSA also pointed to a renewed focus on forgotten communities, improved clinic hours in places like Olievenhoutbosch, support for over 1,000 SMMEs, and the clearing of over 1,850 illegal dumping hotspots as proof of delivery on promises.

“This coalition government is not only fixing what was broken but laying the foundation for a prosperous capital,” ActionSA said, praising the “hardworking and capable” mayoral committee backing Moya.

As most municipalities across the country slide further into dysfunction, ActionSA said Tshwane was fast becoming a rare beacon of hope—and a bold example of what ethical coalition governance can achieve.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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