Tshwane municipal manager returns to work after High Court grants interim relief

The Mayor of Tshwane Nasiphi Moya has confirmed that Municipal Manager Johann Mettler has returned to work with immediate effect after the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria granted interim relief in litigation relating to his position.

In a statement on Sartuday, Moya said that the City would comply with the court order and acknowledged the judiciary's role in resolving disputes.

"The Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria has granted interim relief in the application relating to the Municipal Manager. Pursuant to the interim order, Mr Johann Mettler resumes his duties as Municipal Manager with immediate effect," Moya said.

She added that the judgment concerns only the application for interim relief and primarily deals with decisions taken by the Municipal Council within the municipality's legislative arm.

"I acknowledge the Court's order and respect the role of the judiciary in resolving disputes of this nature. I will comply fully with the order insofar as it directs relief against me," Moya said.

She noted that the litigation involves several respondents within the City, each of whom fulfilled different statutory and institutional responsibilities under the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers.

While Mettler has returned to office, the mayor stressed that the court order does not end the underlying disciplinary process.

"The Regulations require allegations of misconduct to be investigated, and that process will continue in accordance with the law and in the interests of accountability," she said.

The mayor reiterated that the City's focus remains on governance and service delivery despite the ongoing legal proceedings.

"In the meantime, the work of the City continues. My priority remains to provide leadership to the administration, ensure the continued delivery of services, and honour the commitments we have made to the residents of Tshwane," Moya said.