Tshwane metro replaces water and electricity infrastructure MMC after months of health issues

Following months of health issues and after being hospitalised, the Tshwane metro has replaced the MMC overseeing one of the essential portfolios, which provides maintenance for water and electricity infrastructure.

Mayor Randall Williams announced on Wednesday that ward 47 councillor Daryl Johnston would replace utilities and regional operations MMC Phillip Nel.

“Unfortunately, [councillor] Nel is unable to carry on in this role due to medical reasons,” said Williams.

Nel has been experiencing health issues since January that led to him being hospitalised. Although he was in hospital, Nel attended council meetings virtually.

Williams said Nel has been “a critical member of our team in Tshwane”.

“He has served as MMC with distinction. I want to thank him for all of his efforts and contributions towards enhancing the work of the city. We wish him well in his recovery.”

Williams said Johnston would prioritise water and electricity infrastructure in the region.

“As a ward councillor, he has vital experience in taking the work of this portfolio forward. He has served on the utilities oversight committee for the past three years as DA whip and brings 19 years of private sector experience to the role.”

Johnston takes over the department as about R1.2-billion has been earmarked for refurbishing ageing water and electricity in the municipality’s new financial year budget, which comes into effect in July.

Last year, the municipality experienced fire outbreaks at several power substations such as the ones in Wapadrand, Roslyn and Mooikloof.

Over the past few months, the EFF has put pressure on Williams to replace Nel arguing that the portfolio he provided oversight was essential for service delivery.

Tshwane council chief whip Christo van den Heever said that although Nel has been replaced as MMC he will continue to be the ward 42 councillor.

“While he is in hospital, councillor Siobhan Muller is acting as the councillor for his ward,” Van den Heever said.

He said that Nel’s condition was improving.

Nel was MMC in the portfolio from November 2020 and was reappointed in December 2021.

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