TimesLIVE reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has gone to court in a bid to oust Johannesburg city manager Floyd Brink. The matter was heard on an urgent basis last week.

Caucus leader Belinda Echeozonjoku said the party presented its argument on the procedural irregularities surrounding the tabling of a report that ultimately paved the way Brink’s reinstatement. The row involves an investigation into noncompliance after Brink allegedly approved two transactions, of more than R300m and R20m respectively, to buy CCTV equipment and hand-held devices. Brink was later cleared by a forensic report. The uproar and subsequent court action follows speaker Colleen Makhubele’s tabled recommendations regarding how Brink was booted out of the job and put on special leave. The DA previously alleged the council decision to appoint Brink, the second preferred candidate, instead of Johan Mettler, the first preferred candidate, was “done to placate the EFF, who played a key role in the ANC staying in power in Joburg”. Mettler later recused himself from the race. The DA then recommended Bryne Maduka for the post. In its court heads of argument, the DA said it did not recommend Brink because he did not meet the minimum requirements and qualifications for the post of city manager and did not pass the city’s group forensic investigation services screening check. The party further alleged that Makhubele blocked the tabling of the report before council recommending the appointment of Maduka, adding that she then tabled her own “false and misleading report” at a council meeting to reverse the council’s decision to re-advertise the position of city manager.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sisanda Mbolekwa at TimesLIVE

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