Joburg City Council appoints Tshepo Makola as acting city manager

By Staff Reporter

The Johannesburg City Council has appointed Tshepo Makola as acting city manager after the High Court in Johannesburg ruled that former city manager Floyd Brink’s appointment unlawful and irregular.

Makola, previously the city’s Chief Operating Officer, will serve as acting city manager for three months while the city initiates a recruitment process.

He assumed the role in late December after the administration opted not to appeal the court ruling.

Although Mayor Dada Morero initially intended to appoint Helen Botes, CEO of the Joburg Property Company, to the position, the decision faced criticism due to her tenure’s lack of significant impact, particularly on city infrastructure.

In a council vote, 139 councillors supported Makola’s appointment, 60 opposed, and 41 abstained.

However, the DA questioned the legality of the appointment, citing the Municipal Systems Act, which mandates that only the council can appoint a city manager or acting city manager.