Gareth Cliff vows to quit paying rates after Tshwane mayor exit
Outspoken podcaster Gareth Cliff has weighed into the controversy surrounding the axing of Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink.
On Thursday, 26 September, Brink – who served for 18 months – was shown the door after a motion of no confidence was filed by the ANC and supported by Action SA.
The move has angered many residents, including the former radio personality, who has vowed to stop paying his rates as a show of rebellion.
GARETH CLIFF RESPONDS TO TSHWANE MAYOR REMOVAL
On his X account, Gareth Cliff reacted to the axing of Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink.
The former 5FM shock jock tweeted: “If you live in Pretoria, don’t you think you should stop paying rates and taxes to the CoT [City of Tswane]? Their internal politics, instability, and constant undermining of the mayor mean you won’t get service delivery anyway. I suggest we stop paying. Right now”
Gareth took a swipe at Action SA leader Herman Mashaba, who has been accused of “political backstabbing.”
Mashaba, who supported the ANC’s motion of no confidence, tweeted: “ActionSA welcomes the removal of Cilliers Brink as mayor of the capital city, ending an 8-year failed reign of the DA in Tshwane!”
Gareth – known for his outspoken and often controversial comments – replied: “Yeah, and I look forward to not paying my rates and taxes to this sh*t-show of a municipality anymore.”
Gareth’s tweet saw mixed reactions from his followers, some of whom agreed with his sentiments.
Well done, Gareth,
The more celebrities’ voices calling for rates, boycotts, the better.
Let’s normalise this type of behaviour as a way to fight back against a corrupt government.
Push back.— Adriaan I Lombard (@LLB_hard82389) September 27, 2024
Others claimed that the podcaster was encouraging “lawlessness.”
You’re now preaching lawlessness because DA mayor is kicked out of office. 🚮🚮
— Wilson Mokwena (@InhouseAgent4) September 27, 2024
CILLIERS BRINK: ‘I’M NOT SURE WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE CITY’
Meanwhile, Cilliers Brink has shared his disappointment at being removed as the mayor of Tshwane.
According to IOL, 120 councillors voted in favour of his removal, 87 against it, and one abstained.
Brink also questioned the ANC’s decision to side with Action SA and the EFF, despite their Government of National Unity (GNU) pact.
He told eNCA: I haven’t had any gesture of good faith from the ANC’s point. They looked pretty happy there with the EFF and Action SA. And I’m not quite sure what the future holds for the city.”
“We will act in the best interests of the residents of this city. It’s not about me, it’s not about my chain or position. It’s about the residents of Tshwane and actually having metros that function.”
DO YOU THINK REMOVING CILLIERS BRINK AS TSHWANE MAYOR WAS THE RIGHT MOVE?
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