Cilliers Brink Aims to Reclaim Tshwane Mayorship for DA in 2026
Natalie Nyathi
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced Cilliers Brink as its mayoral candidate for the City of Tshwane in the upcoming local government elections. The announcement, made on August 15, 2025, signals Brink’s return to the forefront of Tshwane politics, as he seeks to regain the position he held for 18 months before being ousted in a motion of no confidence in September 2024.
DA leader John Steenhuisen emphasized Brink’s track record of improving Tshwane and expressed confidence in his ability to do so again. Steenhuisen highlighted the narrow margin separating the DA and the ANC in the council, stressing that just five seats could determine the city’s future. He urged residents to register and vote for the DA to strengthen the party’s hand and bring positive change to Tshwane.
Brink, who previously served as a Member of Parliament, accepted the nomination and pledged to “finish the work we started” and build a city that delivers. He criticized the ANC’s past governance of Tshwane, accusing them of corruption, cadre deployment, and mismanagement, which he claims led to the city’s financial ruin. Brink highlighted his administration’s achievements during the DA-led coalition government, including improved audit outcomes, progress on the Hammanskraal water crisis, appointment of qualified managers, and dismissal of officials implicated in corrupt tenders.
Brink also took aim at the current mayor, Nasiphi Moya, suggesting her efforts are primarily focused on social media attention rather than addressing the city’s challenges. He pledged to engage with residents, businesses, and civil society in the coming months to shape the party’s campaign promises, focusing on fighting crime, ending corruption, rebuilding infrastructure, and delivering value for money.
However, Brink’s candidacy faces challenges. Some Tshwane residents have voiced their opposition to his return. Furthermore, Brink’s removal as mayor in 2024 was marked by celebrations among some municipal employees, indicating potential underlying issues within the municipality. The DA is positioning Brink as a leader who can bring stability and effective governance back to Tshwane. Brink’s campaign will focus on convincing voters that he is the right choice to address the city’s challenges and build a better future for all residents.
