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The DA will not attend or participate in the Special Council meeting scheduled for 23 September 2026 to elect a new Chief Whip of Council.

Our position is clear: Tshwane does not need another appointment for the final weeks of a Council whose term is ending.

We question the decision to spend money on a political appointment that could last little more than a month before a new Council is elected. The position carries remuneration of approximately R104,608 per month. At a time when residents face financial constraints, Tshwane should cut unnecessary expenditure, not create additional political costs.

There are just 43 days before the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections. Instead of focusing on the urgent challenges facing residents, the City’s leadership is convening a Special Council meeting to fill a position that does not prevent Council or the administration from functioning.

The argument that appointing a Chief Whip is necessary to prevent disruption to service delivery is not credible. Service delivery is not delivered by political titles. It requires an effective administration, oversight, responsible leadership and political will. The vacancy does not prevent the City from providing water, electricity, refuse removal, roads, infrastructure and other municipal services.

Tshwane residents deserve better than political musical chairs at the end of a municipal term.

We will not legitimise an unnecessary political process and will not support the election of a new Chief Whip.

The governing parties should answer the questions residents care about: Where is the improvement in service delivery? Where is the financial discipline? Where is accountability for the City’s performance? Why spend money on a position the incoming Council can fill after the election?

With elections weeks away, the focus must remain on residents, service delivery, and fixing Tshwane - not securing political positions for the final days of a departing Council.

Issued by DA Tshwane Chief Whip Ald Dana Wannenburg