Recall no concern for goal-oriented mayor

The motion of no confidence against the DA Joburg mayor will “fall flat”, a confident Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga told the Pretoria Press Club yesterday.

“I can tell you that the motion of no confidence in Herman Mashaba will fall flat. That I can give you for free,” he said.

Msimanga said he was also not worried about being recalled from his position, because his focus for now was on service delivery and to operate in the space he has.

“I can be recalled at any time, even after the December (ANC) conference.

“Even my own party can recall me. My biggest concern now is to operate in the time and space I have to make sure services are provided.”

Msimanga said the city is doing well financially and is finally out of the red, but it’s not in the black yet.

However, he expressed frustration at the police’s progress regarding the various criminal cases the city has opened since the new administration took office.

“The cases have been moved from the Brooklyn police station to the special crimes investigation unit.

“I am frustrated that every time we call, we are told there are interviews being conducted, the investigation is continuing.

“We are following up with the banks to trace some of the money, but they are not at a stage where arrests can be made,” Msimanga said.

“I would love to get to the stage where the people who are fingered in those forensic investigations are being brought to book.

“What is concerning is that there are certain members who are very cocky and say ‘this thing will just die a natural death’.

“I am hoping that we are not there in our justice system where people can actually buy off or use political muscle to swindle their way out of a situation,” he said.