The City of Johannesburg mayor, Dada Morero, said he will make a decision on embattled city manager Clint Brink after studying the court judgment. Yesterday, the Gauteng High Court ruled that Brink's appointment was irregular and that he should resign from the position within ten days or as soon as an acting candidate is appointed. 

THE COURT RULING 

The matter was taken to court by the Democratic Alliance, which insisted that Brink was the least qualified person for the job as he did not meet the minimum requirements, including a mandatory ten years of experience in management. Last year, acting Judge Steven Budlender ruled that the city removes Brink from the position, as his appointment during Thapelo Amad's administration was unlawful and invalid. Brink was removed from the position but was re-appointed during a council meeting a few weeks later, this time when corruption accused former mayor Kabelo Gwamanda's tenure in November 2023. The city requested leave to appeal the ruling and it was denied. At the time, Gwamanda said that they would approach the Supreme Court of Appeal to overturn the High Court's decision.

The DA took the matter back to court and Judge Stuart Wilson ruled in their favour, ordering the city to pay costs. Wilson said that the city should have appointed an acting city manager to replace Brink while the council considered its next move instead of re-appointing him. The court also ordered that any decisions taken by Brink while he was city manager would not be invalidated. DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku welcomed the court's decision and said it was a victory for the city's residents. "We are vindicated because we had warned the city inside the council chambers when this decision was being made that it's unlawful. This is a lesson for the City. Unfortunately, it's not money that is going out of the people in the council's pockets, but it's money for the residents of Joburg that should have been used for service delivery," she said.

MAYOR REVIEWING THE JUDGMENT 

In a statement this morning, Morero said that he will review judgment on Brink's appointment before announcing a way forward. Morero said he acknowledges the authority of the court and that he will thoroughly study the judgment and consider its implications for the city's administration. "It is essential that we respect the judicial process and ensure that our response is informed and responsible. Once I have completed my review of the judgment, I will advise on the way forward and make any necessary pronouncements. I want to assure the citizens of Johannesburg that we will act in the best interests of the city and its people and that we will ensure continuity of services and operations," he said. Morero added that the City of Joburg is committed to ensuring that its administration acts following the law and the constitution of the country.