The City of Tshwane recently witnessed a significant political shift with the election of Nasiphi Moya as its new mayor. Moya’s appointment as the new Tshwane mayor comes at a critical time for the capital city, which is grappling with many challenges, including a looming fiscal cliff and persistent service delivery issues. With a leadership approach focused on community engagement and problem-solving, Moya is ready to tackle the obstacles ahead, following a brief tenure of her predecessor, Cilliers Brink, who served as mayor for only 18 months.
A Political Journey Rooted in Community Engagement
Nasiphi Moya’s political career began during her first year at university, driven by her desire to serve her community and effect change. Originally from Mpikwana in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, she relocated to Cape Town, where she pursued her academic ambitions. Moya holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences with a focus on politics, public policy, and administration. Additionally, she has a Master’s in Philosophy from the University of Cape Town and a PhD in Political Science from the University of the Western Cape. This extensive educational background provides her with a solid foundation for understanding and addressing complex political and social issues.
Moya’s political journey began with her joining the Democratic Alliance (DA) in 2011, where she was appointed the party’s national manager of performance development and management systems. Her career within local government began in 2016 when she served as the City of Tshwane’s group head in the office of the chief whip. By May 2020, Moya took on the role of chief of staff in the mayor’s office. However, in 2021, she transitioned to ActionSA, where she served as the chief governance director. Her recent rise culminated in her swearing in as a PR councilor and subsequent election as deputy mayor of Tshwane in January 2023.
Moya’s election as Tshwane mayor on Wednesday marks a significant turning point for the city, as she garnered the support of seven other political parties. Her leadership style emphasizes being “on the ground,” prioritizing direct engagement with the community to better understand their needs and concerns. This approach is crucial in a city where residents have often felt disconnected from decision-makers.
Addressing the Challenges Head-On
Moya takes on her new role amid pressing issues that require immediate attention. The city is facing a significant fiscal crisis, compounded by various service delivery problems that have plagued the administration for years. As the new Tshwane mayor, Moya has outlined a multifaceted strategy to address these challenges, focusing on several key areas:
1. Billing and Financial Management
One of Moya’s primary concerns is improving the city’s billing system. Many residents have expressed frustration over inaccurate billing and a lack of transparency in financial management. By addressing illegal connections and enhancing billing processes, Moya aims to increase revenue for the city and ensure that residents receive fair treatment.
2. Community Engagement
Moya’s emphasis on talking and listening to the people is a hallmark of her leadership style. She recognizes that effective governance cannot occur in a vacuum and that community involvement is essential for successful service delivery. By actively engaging with residents and seeking their input, Moya plans to create a more responsive and accountable administration.
3. Service Delivery Improvements
The new mayor is determined to prioritize service delivery improvements. This includes addressing issues related to water and electricity supply, waste management, and infrastructure maintenance. Moya understands that these services are critical to the daily lives of residents and must be restored to acceptable standards.
4. Audit Outcomes and Financial Sustainability
Improving audit outcomes and ensuring financial sustainability is also on Moya’s agenda. By implementing stringent financial controls and accountability measures, she aims to build trust with the community and secure the city’s financial future.
5. Economic Development and Job Creation
Lastly, Nasiphi Moya is acutely aware of the economic inequalities that plague Tshwane. She intends to focus on job creation and economic development initiatives that empower residents and foster local businesses. By addressing the root causes of economic disparity, Moya hopes to build a more inclusive and prosperous community.
As the new mayor of Tshwane, Nasiphi Moya embodies a leadership style that prioritizes community engagement and proactive problem-solving. With a solid educational background and extensive political experience, she is well-equipped to address the significant challenges facing the city. Her commitment to improving service delivery, enhancing financial management, and fostering community involvement reflects a genuine desire to uplift the residents of Tshwane. As she embarks on this critical journey, the city looks to her for the decisive leadership needed to navigate its current difficulties and create a brighter future for all.
