Action SA leader Herman Mashaba has come to the defense of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya after a publication controversially labeled her the “Mampara of the week.”
The criticism follows Moya’s grand procession ahead of her first State of the City address, an event that has sparked heated debate.
Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya Targeted for Her Procession
This past Sunday, TimesLive made headlines by calling Nasiphi Moya the “Mampara of the week.”
The label was tied to the spectacle surrounding her arrival for the State of the City address on April 10.
The mayor was accompanied by an elaborate procession involving various city services—motorbikes, horses, Metro Police, and Fire and Rescue vehicles—all adding to the grand display.
The procession attracted attention, with many questioning whether it was an unnecessary show of power. The event soon became a focal point for public discussion.
Herman Mashaba Condemns the Criticism as a Racial Attack
While Mayor Moya has remained silent on the matter, Herman Mashaba has stepped in to defend her, calling the criticism a “racial attack.”
On social media, he denounced the racially charged nature of the comment, stating that such stereotypes should be openly called out for what they are.
Mashaba also took the opportunity to highlight some of Moya’s accomplishments in her first six months in office. These included:
- A fully funded budget for the first time since 2022
- A projected R2.8 billion cash reserve for 2025/26
- A reduction in the debtor’s book by 13.56%
- A R1 billion reduction in Eskom’s debt
- Full settlement of the Rand Water account
- Clearing 1,230 illegal dumping sites
- Issuance of 2,138 title deeds this year
- A strengthened law enforcement presence
- Expansion of indigent support to over 183,000 households
- Significant improvement in liquidity coverage
Action SA’s Support for Moya Amid the Backlash
Action SA, led by Mashaba, has continued to express their support for Moya, calling attention to the progress she has made in a short amount of time.
Michael Beaumont, Chairman of the party, also posted a message on social media aimed at Moya.
He acknowledged that she would be held to higher standards than her predecessors but expressed confidence that she would exceed those expectations, despite the unfair nature of the scrutiny she faced.
Beaumont’s message encouraged Moya to keep pushing forward and stay graceful, no matter the criticism.
The support from Action SA highlights the broader political landscape and the challenges facing Moya as she leads the city.
A Defining Moment for Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya
As the debate surrounding Mayor Moya continues, one thing is clear: her leadership is attracting both admiration and criticism in equal measure.
Whether one agrees with her procession or not, it’s evident that Moya’s tenure will be marked by high expectations and significant scrutiny.
As she continues to lead Tshwane, her actions will undoubtedly shape the city’s future.