Tshwane Democratic Alliance (DA) mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink has delivered a critique of the African National Congress (ANC)-led coalition in Tshwane, accusing the city of prioritising political insiders over basic service delivery [The ANC leads the city in a coalition that includes ActionSA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)].

According to Brink: “No government can serve both of these groups. It either satisfies the ever growing appetites of the political insiders or delivers to the country. It cannot do both.”

On water, Brink contrasted the city’s neglect of infrastructural repair with its soaring tanker expenditure. He said: “In 2024, Tshwane spent R170 million on water tankers in formalised areas. With the takeover of the ANC EFF ActionSA coalition, water tanker spending went up to a staggering R500 million.” He also said: “Water losses have risen to 39 percent, the highest they have ever been” and claimed that: “some tanker operators sell water despite being paid by the city.”

Regarding security services, Brink leveled similar criticism of contract spending. He said: “In 2024, Tshwane spent R307 million on security watchman services. In 2025, this budget was increased to R565 million.” He also referenced a controversial contract that implicated: “MMC Eugene Modise in a contract with Triotic Protection Services.”

Brink challenged delays in electrical power reforms, stating: “Money budgeted for a transactional adviser to put the city’s Rooiwal and Pretoria West power stations out to market was left unspent.”

He also said that: “The plan to make the Wonderboom National Airport available to private operators through a concession or a developmental lease has been abandoned.”

Brink traced the reversal in the city’s fortunes to Herman Mashaba’s decision to back an ANC coalition in the city, saying: “A year ago, Herman Mashaba switched sides and placed the ANC back in power in Tshwane with the help of the EFF...ActionSA has become a proxy for the ANC in the capital.”

Brink’s address frames a stark choice for Tshwane’s future: either live under growing costs and eroding services or mobilise reforms that restore accountability and strengthen core delivery.