Johannesburg City Manager Floyd Brink has been ordered to vacate his office within 10 days after the Gauteng High Court deemed his appointment irregular. The court found that Brink was not properly appointed, and the Johannesburg council did not comply with a previous court order.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) initially challenged Brink’s appointment in May 2022, arguing that he was not the most qualified candidate and that the process was flawed. The court has now set aside Brink’s appointment but ruled that the decisions he made as city manager will still be valid.
Brink has been given 10 days to leave his position, or as soon as an acting manager is appointed. This development comes as the City of Johannesburg faces significant challenges, including a financial crunch and a water crisis.
The DA has welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it is a victory for transparency and accountability. The party’s caucus leader in the Johannesburg council, Leah Knott, said that the court’s ruling sends a clear message that the city’s administration must be free from irregularities and corruption.
As the city begins the process of appointing a new city manager, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that the appointment process is transparent, fair, and free from political interference. The city’s administration has a critical role to play in addressing the city’s pressing challenges, and the appointment of a competent and qualified city manager will be crucial in driving this effort forward.
