PRETORIA – Williams was facing a looming motion of no confidence from opposition parties following a damning report by the Auditor-General into the metro’s finances, which found irregular expenditure of R10 billion, and fruitless and wasteful expenditure being understated by over R1 billion for the 2021/2022 financial year. William said his resignation would be effective from midnight on Monday.
“Today, I am formally resigning as the executive mayor of the City of Tshwane as of midnight this evening.
“To have served in this role has been one of the greatest honours of my life. There is no greater privilege I believe than to have been chosen to public office to represent my fellow citizens,” said Williams.
“I resign today not in frustration, resentment or anger but in peace, knowing that I have been given an incredible opportunity and I have fulfilled my duties to the best of my abilities.”
Beaumont said that while former Tshwane chief financial officer Umar Banda should carry some of the blame for the dismal audit outcome, the political leadership in Tshwane had also failed.
Critics have slammed the DA-led multiparty coalition government for the worst financial performance in the history of the municipality.
A leaked audit report, dated November 2022, came a month after municipal manager Johann Mettler sacked Banda for financial misconduct after he misrepresented the city’s 2021/22 financial statements to the auditor general.
Banda’s court bid to overturn the decision to fire him was dismissed in the High Court, Pretoria, in December.
Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen thanked Williams for the work he did during his tenure in office.
“The DA looks forward to welcoming Randall Williams into whatever role awaits him within the DA, where his experience and skill set will be a great asset,” the DA said in a statement.
The party’s Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga also praised Williams for his work.
“The fact that he is prepared to stand down in order to ensure stability in the metro speaks volumes of his commitment to the residents as well as the political process,” said Msimanga.
Facebook Comments