Nasiphi Moya Takes Office as Tshwane's First Deputy Mayor Amid Controversy

In a landmark election within the municipality of Tshwane, Nasiphi Moya of ActionSA has achieved a significant political milestone by becoming the region's first deputy mayor. This critical development took place during a tumultuous special council meeting fraught with tension and contestation from rival parties, particularly the ANC and EFF.

Moya's ascension to the deputy mayor's office comes with a substantial background in public service and local governance, having previously held a significant role in the city's administration as the chief of staff to the former DA mayor, Stevens Mokgalapa. Her wealth of experience is bolstered by her current position as Chief of Governance for ActionSA, a role that presumably equipped her with the insight and skill to navigate Tshwane's complex political landscape.

The coalition's backing of Moya, which features the DA at the forefront, ensured her successful election, with their collective majority of 109 seats out of the 214-seat council overriding the opposition's rejecting stance. The meeting’s initial proceedings were hindered by allegations directed at Moya concerning unauthorized financial benefits linked to a planned excursion to Saudi Arabia. The EFF accused Moya of misappropriating over R10,000, a trip cost she allegedly never incurred, challenging her integrity as a candidate. However, these claims, which cast a shadow over the election process, were expeditiously dismissed by Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana, who referred the matter to the city manager's office for further scrutiny, thereby maintaining the continuity of the council meeting.

Despite the resistance and subsequent walkout by the EFF, Moya experienced no opposition in the final vote, marking her election as an unopposed decision and a victory for the coalition. Accepting the role with gratitude and a clear sense of duty, Moya spoke to the council and citizens of Tshwane, committing herself to a path of steadfast dedication to the city’s progress and the welfare of its roughly 4-million inhabitants.

Moya's insights into the pivotal work ahead revolve around critical local governance issues. Basic service delivery, infrastructure development, and stringent financial management emerge as her articulated priorities, aiming to elevate the living standards of Tshwane's residents. An allusion to a 'pro-poor agenda' also features in her acceptance speech, signaling a sensitivity to socioeconomic disparities and a commitment to protecting the city's most vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, Moya made a passionate call for unity and cooperation amongst the council members, urging them to deprioritize political rivalries in favor of collective action and shared accountability. Her expressed intentionality to rely on effective partnerships among ward representatives indicates a collaborative governance model aimed at delivering on the pledges made to the constituents in the 2021 elections.

In her new capacity, Moya is poised to foster a civic environment characterized by collective striving, with a clear emphasis on actualizing a vision for Tshwane that encapsulates excellence, inclusivity, and prosperity for all who call it home.