ActionSA has welcomed City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Speaker of Council Nobuhle Mthembu’s call for an Extra-Ordinary Council, saying it expects to see the City Manager position filled in three months.

Following a High Court ruling that the appointment of former City Manager Floyd Brink was irregular, the court ordered him to vacate office. The city’s COO Tshepo Makola was then appointed as acting City Manager, and he assumed the role in December.

ActionSA CoJ Caucus Chief Whip Zark Lebatlang said the party did not expect Makola to fill the role permanently.

“… we would like to see this position occupied in the space of three months,” he said.

Lebatlang said the party will hold Makola to account to ensure that, in the intervening period, the city executes basic service delivery.

ActionSA said it is critical to appoint an accounting officer that will play a critical role in stabilising the City but also in ensuring that service delivery takes a centre stage.

“The City of Johannesburg needs an impartial City Manager who will be able to spearhead the City of Johannesburg through the current tribulations. We demand the prioritisation of the restoration of Bree Street, addressing water crisis and electricity supply. Residents of Johannesburg are yearning for a City Manager who will be able to account for every cent spent,” Lebatlang said.

The party claimed that since it assumed leadership of the City’s legislative arm, it has seen a rise in “transparency and sound decision-making.”