Thokozile Mnguni
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane has approached the Gauteng High Court to challenge the City of Tshwane Council’s decision to retain Deputy Executive Mayor and MMC for Finance Eugene Modise.
Modise was found to have breached the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.
The party is seeking to overturn the council’s decision, arguing that Modise failed to disclose financial interests linked to Triotic Protection Services, a security company contracted by the municipality.
The DA said a city forensic investigation found that Modise did not properly declare his financial interests in the company, which has received millions of rands from Tshwane.
Speaking outside court, DA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate Cilliers Brink said the city’s finance MMC should not have undisclosed interests involving a company doing business with the municipality.
“The ANC politician responsible for overseeing Tshwane’s finances cannot have undisclosed financial interests linked to a company doing business with the municipality,” Brink said.
He also criticised the penalty imposed on Modise, which included a R200,000 fine and the docking of two months’ pay.
“Furthermore, we believe that R200,000, the docking of two months’ pay, is irrational because Modise’s company continues to benefit to the tune of R3 million per month,” Brink said.
Brink claimed that security spending in Tshwane has continued to rise while the alleged financial interests remained undisclosed to residents.
The DA argues that the council’s decision was unlawful and undermined accountability in local government.
“Our application asks the High Court to set aside the Council’s decision, and to send the matter back for reconsideration under the correct legal framework, where Modise will be forced to face the law,” Brink said.
The party said it will provide further updates as the court process continues.