Joburg mayor Mpho Phalatse is expected to make certain changes in her cabinet, reshuffling some members of the mayoral committee and firing others.
The Star has seen a leaked document that indicated some councillors which would be reshuffled.
According to sources close to the mayor, the reshuffle was a strategic move to secure Phalatse’s political career in the city. The Star also understands that the mayor was facing opposition from some in her party who wanted her off the mayoral chair.
Among those that are expected to be reshuffled is the MMC of Public Safety David Tembe (Action SA), the MMC of Transport Funzi Ngobeni (Action SA) and the MMC for Housing Mlungisi Mabaso (IFP).
The Star understands that Mabaso was under investigation allegedly concerning corruption at the Johannesburg Social Housing Company.
However, Mabaso had denied that he was corrupt and refuted information that he was on the firing line.
“I am not aware of any investigations and the reshuffling allegations you have raised, we will not entertain anything that seeks to undermine the multi-party government and destabilise the coalition,” Mabaso said.
The reshuffle was also expected to affect the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Michael Sun (DA) and MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Leah Knott (DA) who apparently does not get along with the mayor. There were other senior officials in the city who were on the mayor’s hit list, Phalatse denied that there was instability in the coalition.
She told The Star that reports about a possible reshuffling was part of a disinformation campaign. Phalatse said she had the full support of the Multi Party Coalition.
“There is a disinformation campaign afoot designed to create a picture of instability and in some cases sow disunity,” Phalatse said.
She said despite the opposition’s attempts to destabilise the coalition government she was satisfied that Joburg residents had experienced a good change in government since the Multi Party Coalition took over.
“The Multi-Party government is focused on the continued repair and rebuild of Joburg. Residents are beginning to see and feel a different and better city which has the ANC and its allies shaken,” Phalatse said.