Brink named DA's mayoral candidate for 2026 local elections
The announcement, made in Pretoria east on August 15, comes as the DA gears up for what promises to be one of the most tightly contested municipal elections in the city's recent history.
He is a seasoned politician and former mayor of Tshwane from 2023 to early 2024.
Brink accepted the nomination in front of more than 200 DA supporters, activists, leaders and councillors with a commitment to restoring stable governance, integrity, and service delivery to South Africa's administrative capital.
'I accept the DA nomination to become mayor of Tshwane with a renewed determination to finish the work we started, that is to build a capital city that delivers for honest, hardworking people,' he said.
Brink's appointment signals the DA's intent to reclaim political control of Tshwane after the collapse of its DA-led coalition government last year.
According to Brink, the fallout was triggered by a betrayal from within the multi-party coalition, notably by ActionSA, which helped the ANC claw its way back into the mayoral office through appointing ActionSA's Dr Nasiphi Moya as the new mayor.
'In the corridors of Tshwane House, George Matjila, the ANC's regional secretary, is called the real mayor,' Brink stated, alluding to behind-the-scenes manipulation and patronage networks that he claims have hijacked decision-making in the city.
Brink pointed to his administration's track record between 2023 and 2024 as evidence of what stable, principled governance can achieve.
He cited the metro's improved audit outcomes, a significant leap in financial sustainability, and critical steps taken to resolve the Hammanskraal water crisis. 'We also took the first steps to make Tshwane less dependent on Eskom, an important backup against load-shedding,' he said.
Brink also highlighted bold moves to curb cadre deployment and combat corruption, including supporting City Manager Johann Mettler in the effort to discipline the 'Rooiwal Five' – officials implicated in alleged corrupt procurement tied to ANC benefactor Edwin Sodi.
Now, he warns, all that progress is under threat.
'Since the beginning of the year, Tshwane, under the leadership of an ANC coalition mayor, has had more power cuts than when Eskom load-shedding was last in place,' he said. He added that under the ANC's watch, the city ran a R857-million deficit for the 2024/25 financial year.
DA's leader John Steenhuisen, who formally introduced Brink as the party's candidate, emphasised the stakes of the upcoming vote.
'This city's race for mayor will be incredibly tight. Right now, there are just five seats separating the ANC from the DA in the council,' Steenhuisen said. 'The votes of residents will decide whether Tshwane moves forward or slides back.'
He reiterated the party's broader economic and governance agenda, referencing the DA's national six-point economic plan and urging Tshwane residents to ensure that the DA becomes the biggest party in the metro.
'We can do it,' Steenhuisen declared. 'But the DA simply has to be the biggest party in any coalition government if we are to be able to make sustained and meaningful progress.'
Brink made it clear that this campaign will be about more than just pointing out the ANC's failures. It will be about offering a credible and ambitious alternative.
He pledged to engage communities across Tshwane in the months leading up to the election, listening to their concerns and incorporating their needs into a concrete set of pledges.
These will focus on crime prevention, infrastructure restoration, public-private partnerships, and delivering basic services efficiently.
'Let us make Tshwane a capital city that delivers, not to tenderpreneurs and friends but to honest, hardworking people,' said Brink.
He also extended an open invitation to residents, civil society organisations, and businesses, asking them to partner with his campaign in rebuilding the capital.
DA provincial leader Solly Msimanga also threw his full weight behind Brink as the party's official candidate for Tshwane mayor, urging party members to rally behind a proven leader to help bring stability and delivery back to the capital.
He gave a rallying call to voters, highlighting the critical importance of the upcoming election and emphasising just how narrow the race has become.
He introduced Brink as a 'son of this city' and a 'proven leader' ready to finish the work he started in 2023.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Residents of KZN back new political movement: the rise of Mayibuye
National Convenor of Mayibuye iAfrika Floyd Shivambu says the movement is not a breakaway from the ANC, EFF, MK Party, saying it will grow bigger than all of the three parties. Image: X@FloydShivambu The political landscape of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) may be on the brink of transformation as the Mayibuye iAfrika movement, led by convener Vusi Khoza, gathers significant momentum from local residents. Mayibuye held a series of consultative sessions across the province over a few days, which ended with a gathering at the Hollywood Bets Greyville Racecourse yesterday. The Old Prison in Pietermaritzburg was the venue for the first session on Wednesday. All the consultations were led by Bishop Stephen Zondo. Khoza announced that the majority of attendees expressed strong support for the formation of a new political party, with the main purpose to address the needs and aspirations of KZN's diverse population. 'We are happy with the turnout. The people of KZN have endorsed Mayibuye and unanimously backed the idea of starting a new political movement. We are definitely forming a political party. The people of KZN will overwhelmingly support and vote for Mayibuye,' he stated. His confidence underscored a burgeoning belief that the new party could resonate deeply with voters already disillusioned by existing political structures. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Among the attendees was Ntokozo Ndlovu, a student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, who shared her vision for the movement, highlighting its potential to appeal to young, educated voters and the middle class. 'I believe Mayibuye would represent the majority,' she noted. 'I welcome the idea of forming a political movement that will serve as an alternative to the current political parties, which are not serving the needs of many people,' said Ndlovu. Her fervent support for the movement stems from her belief in the leadership of Floyd Shivambu, whom she viewed as a knowledgeable and capable figure in South African politics. Samkelo Mthembu from Richards Bay echoed Ndlovu's sentiments and praised Shivambu's political journey, asserting that any party that let him go had lost a valuable asset. Mthembu recounted his long-standing commitment to Shivambu's vision, reflecting on their shared history within the ANC Youth League. 'We believe in you, we know you,' he passionately stated to the crowd, underscoring the personal connections that underpinned the movement's appeal. However, political analyst Siphamandla Zondi offered a cautious perspective on the movement's potential to translate enthusiasm into actual votes in the upcoming elections. 'It is not yet clear how much support would translate into votes, whether in by-elections or full elections. The turnout at consultations cannot firmly confirm the presence of support,' he explained. Zondi's insights revealed the complexities of voter mobilisation and the need for effective campaigning strategies to turn vocal support into electoral success. He pointed out that while charisma was an essential component of leadership, organisational capacity plays an equally crucial role. He suggested that the Mayibuye movement could potentially mirror the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in its formative years, aiming for significant impact despite being a smaller entity, and perhaps even becoming a 'kingmaker' in future elections. As the movement prepared to translate its grassroots support into broader political traction, all eyes will be on their campaign strategies leading up to the upcoming local elections. While addressing supporters in Durban on Sunday, Shivambu revealed that eight provinces had given him the go-ahead to form a political movement, which included a political party that will contest elections, starting with next year's local government elections. He said the political movement will consist of civil society organisations, civic organisations, and a workers' union, amongst others. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Rise Mzansi's Zibi says GNU needs urgent reset
Scopa chairperson and Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi says the Government of National Unity needs a reset instead of lurching from crisis to crisis while the country itself is in crisis. Image: Supplied Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi said South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU) 'needs a reset instead of lurching from crisis to crisis while the country itself is in crisis.' Zibi was briefing the media on Monday about the party's first year in Parliament and addressed pressing national issues in Johannesburg. Zibi, who chairs Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), was joined by Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa and National Assembly Whip Makashule Gana. They used the briefing to account for their work in the GNU, the Gauteng Provincial Government of Unity (PGU), and to respond to rising public concerns around leadership, service delivery and national security. Zibi was critical of the current arrangement in the GNU, warning that the coalition is undermined by internal squabbles, particularly between the ANC and the DA, and lacks cohesive political management. 'We need a single agreement signed by everybody, with mutual obligations to one another,' he said. Zibi said Rise Mzansi will be writing to the ANC, as convenor of the GNU, to demand regular leaders' meetings, a GNU Lekgotla to resolve interpersonal issues, and the reactivation of the dormant Clearing House Mechanism. Reflecting on Parliament, Zibi said the party's limited resources have not stopped them from holding ministers accountable and proposing solutions. 'We ensure that despite only being afforded three-minutes during debates, that we deliver speeches that are well researched, speak to the issues that face the people of South Africa and provide workable and achievable solutions,' he said. Zibi confirmed that Gana,whom he described as 'the so-called 'Hardest Working Member of Parliament'', has pushed parliamentary questions on crime, policing, economic development, and the deteriorating state of transport entities like PRASA, Transnet and the Road Accident Fund (RAF). SCOPA, which Zibi chairs, will be launching a formal inquiry into the RAF after the September recess, calling it a test of the committee's ability to combat corruption. 'We believe that we are on the right track, with deliberate attempts made for SCOPA not to deal with this matter. I therefore welcome the support of the Minister and Deputy Minister of Transport,' Zibi said. Rise Mzansi is also tackling the explosion in gambling addiction, pointing to an eightfold increase in 'problem gamblers' seeking help between 2020 and 2024. Zibi said, 'Rise Mzansi takes this matter seriously, and we starting to see other political parties and the Government also take the matter seriously.' In Gauteng,Zibi said Ramokgopa is working with a R671-million budget to address hunger, industrialisation and corruption. She has championed urban community gardens, escalated a suspicious farming project to the SIU, and launched the province's first Agro Processing Convention. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Zibi also addressed the crisis of political leadership, saying that too many capable leaders are silent while older politicians dominate the discourse. 'A 74-year-old woman who will be 75 next year has announced that she will be running for mayor of Johannesburg." He said in the same instance, an 81-year-old Helen Zille could be president in 2029 'This is not for lack of talent, but lack of belief in new, capable leadership.' He confirmed that Rise Mzansi will contest a by-election in Ward 64, eThekwini, with local community leader Jackie Conclave as their candidate. He said the party is also exploring electoral collaboration ahead of the 2026 local government elections, but warned against 'big man or woman politics' and urged civil society to play a stronger role. Zibi said, 'We all have to accept that no one political party, or even all of them combined, has the talent and the solution to exclude non-aligned South Africans who want to contribute.' Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Senzo Mchunu: ANC took voters for granted, urges reforms
ANC NEC member Senzo Mchunu warns the party is 'walking on the edge of a cliff' ahead of the 2026 elections. Image: File ANC NEC member Senzo Mchunu warned that the ANC faces collapse and will lose power if it fails to implement urgent reforms. Speaking at the tombstone unveiling of anti-apartheid activist Nokuhamba Nyawo in Machobeni, KwaZulu-Natal, over the weekend, Mchunu said the 2026 local government elections will be a decisive moment for the ANC's survival. Mchunu: ANC 'walking on the edge of a cliff' Mchunu likened the ANC to 'a person walking on the edge of a cliff,' urging leaders to regroup before it is too late. ADVERTISEMENT He cautioned that if the ANC fails to win next year's municipal elections, the party will risk losing power and may not survive the next national elections in its current state. 'We became big-headed and took the people for granted they punished us. But there's still time to mend our ways,' he admitted, acknowledging the party had alienated its base. His remarks come as the ANC grapples with internal divisions, declining public trust, and its worst electoral showing since 1994. Calls to Rebuild Trust According to IOL, KwaZulu-Natal ANC coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu expressed confidence that the party is rebuilding its support base. 'We don't want coalitions. We want to lead alone again,' he said. The event also honoured Nyawo's legacy, recalling her role in sheltering Umkhonto weSizwe cadres during apartheid. ADVERTISEMENT Her memory was invoked as a reminder of how far the ANC has drifted from its revolutionary roots. Reform or Extinction With the 2026 elections drawing near, Mchunu's message was clear: the ANC must reform or face political extinction. Can the ANC regain the trust of voters before the 2026 elections, or is its era of dominance coming to an end? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
