ActionSA has nominated Dr Nasiphi Moya for Tshwane deputy executive mayor, who has assured opposition parties in council that the deputy mayor position is not about prestige but about delivery, adding that opposition parties will find her door open if they would like to “rise above partisan politics” and prioritise the needs of their communities.

ActionSA announced Moya’s nomination on Monday amid other parties having welcomed the Democratic Alliance’s proposal for a deputy mayor position to be created, although the Economic Freedom Fighters has rejected the move.

“…the party’s nominee for the first-ever position of Deputy Executive Mayor for the nation’s capital pursuant to the coalition arrangement agreed to by all parties that are signatories to the coalition agreement guarantees that the Deputy Mayor position be filled by an ActionSA councillor in consultation with our coalition partners,” ActionSA said.

ActionSA said the creation of the deputy mayor position in the City of Tshwane’s executive would help ensure that the principles of co-governance were applied while deepening power-sharing to produce stability within the coalition in service of the City and its residents.

The party is of the view that the election of a deputy mayor is imperative to stave off a replay of previous government missteps concerning pressing matters such as the three-month-long workers' strike and the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment saga, which put numerous Tshwane residents' lives in danger.

Moya explained that in addition to deputising, as outlined in the legislation, this role brought with it a unique opportunity to focus on transversal functions related to infrastructure development, repairs and maintenance.

She said her responsibilities would include overseeing capital projects, which she said would ensure that major development initiatives were effectively managed, monitored and completed in a timely manner.

“By providing strong leadership and coordination, we can deliver infrastructure projects that meet the needs of our residents and contribute to the economic growth of our city,” she said.

Moya will oversee service delivery at a regional level and will also be working with the COO portfolio.

Moya served as group head in the Office of the Chief Whip, then as chief of staff in the Office of the Executive Mayor.

“I am humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me by the ActionSA leadership and our coalition partners. Most importantly, I respect the voters of our Capital City who have placed their trust in a coalition for our Capital City to be a source of pride to all,” she said.

She explained that the opportunity to serve the residents of Tshwane was one that she did not take lightly, and she was fully committed to dedicating her time, energy and expertise to the betterment of Tshwane.

“I believe that anyone who has witnessed the past two years of this term of office will appreciate how important these functions will be to a City that has demonstrated some blind spots that an extra set of eyes in leadership will most certainly help to address,” she said.

COORDINATED APPROACH AND SERVICE DELIVERY

She believes that a coordinated approach to infrastructure and service delivery will result in numerous benefits, adding that one of the key advantages is the proper coordination of how funds are allocated across various projects.

“By following the money, we can track expenditures, prevent wastage, and ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most. Through this coordinated approach, we can maximise the benefits to our residents and enhance the quality and efficiency of service delivery,” said Moya.

She explained that through the City’s collective efforts, it was imperative that an end be put to under-expenditure of the capital budget, the return of grants to national government be reduced, and the number of incomplete projects in the city be reduced.

“By actively addressing these issues, we can build trust among residents and stakeholders, attract further investment, and create the positive change the residents of Tshwane deserve,” she said.

The election for the deputy mayor position will take place on Thursday.