Brink reappointment shows ‘blatant disregard’ for ethical governance - DA
The Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg says the council's decision to reappoint Floyd Brink as city manager shows a blatant disregard for both legal mandates and ethical governance.
The council's governing coalition resolved to reappoint Brink as the city manager on Wednesday with 105 votes in favour, 64 against, and 47 abstentions.
The decision comes three weeks after the High Court ruled that his appointment was unconstitutional, unlawful, and invalid.
The court ruled in favour of the DA, which challenged his appointment in May.
Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda said they re-tabled and adopted the previously adopted report to appoint Brink as the city manager.
"The city still believes the High Court failed to, independently and without bias, consider the valid and substantial legal arguments presented before it on the process enlisted by council in approving the report to appoint the city manager in February 2023.
“In its wisdom and with due consideration of the urgent demands to stabilise the administration of the city and to expedite service delivery, the council today (Wednesday) resolved to re-table the report on the appointment of the city manager and to ratify the areas identified by the court as rendering the appointment unlawful, invalid and unconstitutional," he said.
Gwamanda said the council's decision now renders the intention to petition the Supreme Court of Appeal on the same matter moot.
However, the DA’s Johannesburg caucus leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku says the decision directly contravenes the court's findings.
"This decision, marred by legal and ethical breaches, places an unjust financial burden on the citizens, who will inevitably face the repercussions of overturning this unlawful decision.
"The situation in Johannesburg calls for immediate and decisive action. The council's ongoing disregard for the rule of law and ethical standards has led us to a critical juncture, necessitating our call for the council's dissolution."
Kayser-Echeozonjoku added that Brink’s reappointment underscores the tendency for political self-interest over the welfare of Johannesburg residents.
"The residents deserve a government that upholds justice and acts in their best interest, not one that perpetuates a cycle of contempt and disregard for the law.
"We propose a constructive path forward, advocating for policies that ensure transparent and accountable governance."
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