Tshwane Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya has painted a grim picture of the state in which the city was left before the ANC-EFF and ActionSA coalition took over. Neglected streets, failing infrastructure, constant power and water outages, and a staggering R11 billion debt were just some of the issues inherited from the previous administration.
Speaking at a media briefing on the coalition’s 100-day action plan, Moya highlighted that Tshwane’s budget had been unfunded for several years. This meant there was simply not enough income to cover essential services and capital investments. The financial strain had led to chronic underinvestment in repairs and maintenance, leaving the city’s aging infrastructure vulnerable to frequent breakdowns. With vandalism, cable theft, and illegal connections further crippling essential services, residents found themselves experiencing power and water outages on a near-weekly basis.
Moya did not hold back in criticizing the previous DA-led administration, which governed from 2016 until it was unseated last year. The DA had long promoted the narrative that “where we govern, we govern better,” but many residents felt otherwise. Accusations of unequal service delivery surfaced, with claims that white communities were prioritized over black communities. While not all of Tshwane’s current challenges originated under the DA, the mounting complaints during its tenure suggested a deepening crisis in municipal governance.
Despite the tough conditions, Moya praised the dedication of the multi-party mayoral committee, which, in just over three months, had already made significant strides. The coalition’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with residents and political stakeholders alike commending the commitment to turning the city around. One of the most notable achievements has been the improvement of water availability in Hammanskraal—a long-standing crisis that had persisted for more than two decades.
Looking ahead, Moya outlined six key priorities aimed at restoring Tshwane’s former glory: financial stability, economic revitalization, infrastructure development, equitable service delivery, a cleaner city with strengthened by-law enforcement, and urban safety. She emphasized that while rebuilding the city would not be easy, the administration remains committed to prioritizing the needs of the people.
