Tshwane Metro manager Johann Mettler has been cleared of various allegations after an independent investigation found no grounds to institute disciplinary proceedings.

The decision was taken during Thursday’s Tshwane Council meeting after councillors considered the final report into allegations of misconduct that led to Mettler’s controversial suspension in July.

The investigation was launched after the EFF submitted claims of misconduct, corruption and governance failures against Mettler.

The probe was conducted in line with the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, which outlines disciplinary regulations for senior managers.

Although investigators identified weaknesses in some of the city’s administrative processes and governance systems, they found no evidence to justify disciplinary action against the city manager.

Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said it was important that the investigation was allowed to transpire.

“It was important that this process was allowed to run its course. Allegations of misconduct against senior managers must be taken seriously and subjected to proper scrutiny.”

The mayor said the investigation provided council with an independent basis on which to make its decision.

She added that the findings highlighted areas where the city’s governance and oversight could be strengthened.

“Our focus now remains on ensuring stability within the administration and working with the city manager and the senior management team to improve service delivery,” she said.

The outcome follows a Pretoria High Court ruling on July 31 that found Mettler’s suspension was prima facie unlawful. The court ordered that he return to work while the legal challenge continues.

ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont said the report vindicated the party’s position that the claims should be independently investigated before any action was taken.

“The report clears Mettler of the allegations referred for investigation and does not recommend disciplinary proceedings,” Beaumont said.

DA caucus leader Cilliers Brink welcomed the outcome.

“The DA has been vindicated for defending Johann Mettler during a baseless EFF, ANC and ActionSA witch-hunt,” Brink said.

He claimed the investigation cost Pretoria taxpayers about R5-million, including legal costs after the DA and Solidarity challenged Mettler’s suspension in court.

Brink also criticised the governing coalition for rejecting a DA proposal to investigate the original complaint and determine whether public money had been wasted.

He said EFF MMC Obakeng Ramabodu submitted the claim.

Brink said the DA would write to the Auditor-General to request an investigation into the expenditure arising from the complaint.

He also called on the mayor to account for supporting what he believes was a baseless process.

Ramabodu was absent during Thursday’s council debate.

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