Democratic Alliance challenges suspension of Tshwane City Manager

South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) is contesting the City of Tshwane Council's decision to suspend City Manager Johann Mettler and reinstate Group Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi. The High Court in Pretoria has reserved judgment on the DA's urgent application until Friday, after postponing the hearing. The DA argues that Mettler's suspension is politically motivated, claiming it clears the way for corruption by coalition partners ANC, EFF and Action SA, and that the allegations of misconduct are ill‑defined and baseless. The Council, citing a forensic investigation, has disciplinary proceedings against Mnisi for alleged misconduct, but classifies the charges as less serious. Legal counsel for the DA disputes the legality of the precautionary suspension, saying the required legal thresholds were not met, while the Council maintains the actions are lawful. The dispute centers on whether the Council acted within its authority and whether the suspensions were intended to undermine anti‑corruption efforts within the municipality.