In a political drama that has gripped South Africa’s capital city, Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has publicly pushed back against mounting pressure to immediately suspend her embattled Deputy Mayor, Eugene Modise. The mayor’s stance, articulated at a tense media briefing on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, underscores a delicate balancing act between principles of due process and the fierce political imperative to act against corruption.
The controversy centres on explosive allegations against Deputy Mayor Modise, which include accusations of serious fraud and the concealment of undisclosed business interests that may constitute a conflict of interest with his public office. The claims, the precise details of which remain under official investigation, have sent shockwaves through the City of Tshwane’s council, already a frequent arena for coalition politics and instability.
A Mayor Under Fire: Due Process vs. Political Expediency
Facing a barrage of questions from journalists, Mayor Moya was resolute in her position. She argued that any decision to suspend Modise would be “premature” before the formal investigatory body—an ad hoc committee established by the council—has completed its work and presented its findings.
“The integrity of our processes is paramount,” Mayor Moya stated. “We have established a committee to thoroughly investigate these serious allegations. To act before that committee concludes its mandate would undermine the very system of accountability we are trying to uphold. We must allow the facts to be established without prejudice.”
Her call for restraint, however, stands in stark contrast to the rising chorus from opposition parties. The Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and other smaller parties have branded Modise a liability and are demanding his immediate removal from office. They argue that the gravity of the allegations themselves warrants his suspension to protect the administration’s integrity and ensure the investigation is not impeded.
“Every day Deputy Mayor Modise remains in office is a day the credibility of the City of Tshwane is further eroded,” argued an opposition councillor. “Mayor Moya’s hesitation is being seen as protectionism, not prudence.”
The Stakes: Coalition Stability and Public Trust
The situation places Mayor Moya in an intensely difficult position. Suspending a senior coalition partner could fracture the fragile governing alliance in the city, potentially triggering a new round of political chaos. Yet, failing to act decisively in the face of corruption allegations risks alienating the public and undermining her own authority as a leader committed to clean governance.
Political analysts suggest Moya’s strategy is a calculated risk. By insisting on due process, she aims to demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law, while the ongoing investigation itself acts as a de facto limbo for Modise, diminishing his political influence without the formal trigger of a suspension that could collapse the coalition.
“The ad hoc committee is now the central battlefield,” observed political analyst Professor Lebogang Mokoena. “Its timeline, its transparency, and ultimately its findings will determine Modise’s fate and test Mayor Moya’s leadership. She is betting that the process will either exonerate him clearly or produce such damning evidence that his removal becomes an uncontestable necessity, saving her from having to make a purely political decision.”
As the ad hoc committee begins its work, the City of Tshwane holds its breath. The outcome will not only decide the future of Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise but will also serve as a major test for Mayor Nasiphi Moya’s administration and its ability to navigate the treacherous waters where allegations of corruption meet the hard realities of coalition politics.
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