Tshwane metro, city manager found guilty of contempt charge over 18-year property transfer delay

By Johnathan Paoli

The City of Tshwane (CoT) and its municipal manager, Johann Mettler, have been found guilty of contempt of court following an 18-year delay in complying with court orders compelling the city to transfer a parcel of properties to the Pretoria Educational Centre (PEC).

The Pretoria High Court has imposed a suspended fine of R500 000 on Mettler, giving the city 15 calendar days to comply fully with the transfer or risk having the penalty enforced.

Acting Judge Romeo Nthambeleni ruled in PEC’s favour last week, emphasising the city’s repeated non-compliance.

“The city has confirmed that the whole transfer process has now been completely immobilised,” said Nthambeleni, referring to a letter from the city’s attorneys stating that due to a late-filed leave to appeal application in May 2025, no further steps would be taken.

The ruling stems from a legal battle that began in 2006, when the city