In the run-up to the 2026 local government elections, the Democratic Alliance’s Cilliers Brink isn’t mincing his words.
Stepping into the spotlight as his party’s mayoral candidate for Tshwane, Brink says his goal is nothing less than to “strike fear into the hearts of the corrupt.”
He’s made it clear that his campaign will focus on rooting out corruption, dismantling tenderpreneur networks, and taking decisive action to get the city back on track.
A Promise to Rebuild and Restore
Speaking on Friday, 15 August, Brink outlined a vision of reclaiming the city from criminal influence, fixing broken infrastructure, and improving service delivery.
He also placed attracting investment high on his agenda — framing it as essential for long-term growth and stability.
For Brink, this is more than an election campaign; it’s a bid to restore public trust in the city’s governance and show that Tshwane can thrive under strong, ethical leadership.
Direct Shots at the ANC
In his acceptance speech, Brink didn’t hold back against the African National Congress (ANC).
He accused the ruling party of dismantling Tshwane’s internal systems, placing loyal cadres in key management positions, and using the city as “an automated cash machine.”
He contrasted this with the DA’s previous time in office, claiming that the city’s financial health and audit results improved under their watch — but quickly deteriorated once the coalition was removed.
By the end of the 2024/25 financial year, he said, Tshwane had slipped into an R857 million deficit.
Priorities If Elected
Brink’s list of commitments is straightforward but ambitious:
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Tackle crime head-on.
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Eradicate corruption at every level.
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Repair and maintain water and electricity infrastructure.
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Deliver value for money in every municipal project.
He stressed that only voters have the power to bring real change, calling on residents to demand stronger, more accountable leadership.
A City Already in Crisis
The urgency of Brink’s campaign is underscored by the city’s current troubles.
Tshwane’s governance has been marred by scandals, the latest involving executive mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and municipal manager Johann Mettler.
Both officials were ordered to serve one month in prison and face a year-long suspension after failing to comply with a court order linked to an R18 million investment in the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market.
