The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Joburg has called for the immediate resignation of City Manager, Floyd Brink who on Wednesday was ordered by the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, to vacate his position within 10 days.
This decision, made on Wednesday, is a significant milestone for the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has long challenged Brink's appointment as unconstitutional, unlawful, and invalid.
Reacting to the judgement, DA Caucus leader in the City of Joburg, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, has urged Brink to step down immediately following the court’s unequivocal judgment, which has not only annulled his reappointment but also awarded the DA costs associated with the case.
Kayser-Echeozonjoku stated: “Floyd Brink, the City of Joburg City Manager, must resign his position after the Johannesburg High Court found that his reappointment was unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid, agreeing with the DA’s case and awarding the DA costs.”
This ruling marks the culmination of a year-long legal battle initiated by the DA, which questioned Brink’s irregular appointment and sought to challenge the coalition of the African National Congress (ANC), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and ActionSA that supported it.
According to Kayser-Echeozonjoku: “Any employment contract or performance contract between the CoJ and now former City Manager, Floyd Brink, has been set aside. Not only has his reappointment been set aside and declared unlawful, but Judge Wilson has also awarded the DA costs in this matter.”
She further noted that the judgement underscores the DA’s long-held assertion that the “Doomsday Coalition” in the City of Joburg engaged in illegal and unconstitutional practices.
The road to Brink’s removal has faced numerous obstacles since his appointment in February 2023. The initial ruling by acting Judge Steven Budlender on November 7, 2023 marked the beginning of the end for Brink’s controversial tenure.
The recent court decision further validates the DA’s claims, reinforcing their position that accountability must be enforced within the city’s leadership.
As the City of Joburg now contemplates new leadership in the wake of Brink’s departure, the DA remains resolute in its campaign for transparency and lawful governance. Kayser-Echeozonjoku highlighted that the precedent set by this ruling serves as a vital reminder that the governance structure within Joburg must adhere strictly to constitutional mandates and legal frameworks.
Matthew Cook of the Good Party welcomed the judgement, saying it reaffirms the view that no one is above the law.
“This judgment sends a clear warning to the government that appointments must follow procedure. People should be fit for purpose and not deployed through back-door deals. The cost order, adds insult to injury as public funds are being used to defend the city’s poor decision-making.Our once-thriving city is on the brink of collapse, we call on the ANC, EFF, ActionSA and PA coalition to put political battles aside and rather focus their energy on service delivery,” Cook said.
Attempts to get comment from the City of Joburg were unsuccessful at the time of going to print.
However, a communicator close to the city council indicated that the matter was still being debated within council with a possibility of a statement being considered by end of business on Wednesday.
“They are still debating this matter but we are working on releasing the statement,” the communication officer told The Star.
The Star