Solidarity launches legal action against Tshwane over Mettler’s suspension

Solidarity has formally served the City of Tshwane with a letter of demand over its decision to place Johann Mettler, a Solidarity member and the metro’s City Manager and Accounting Officer, on precautionary suspension. Read the letter of demand here.

On 27 June, Mettler was notified by the City Council of allegations against him and was given seven days to respond. On 4 July, Solidarity submitted a comprehensive 18-page legal response on his behalf. Despite this, the metro announced on 9 July that the Council had resolved to place Mettler on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

According to Anton van der Bijl, Deputy Chief Executive of Solidarity, the process is fundamentally flawed and bears all the hallmarks of a politically motivated witch-hunt.

“Solidarity will not stand by while someone who has defended the integrity of the City of Tshwane is bullied through a political witch-hunt. We believe the metro’s actions are unlawful, irrational, and unconstitutional. Should the metro proceed with this course of action, it will face legal consequences,” said Van der Bijl.

Van der Bijl pointed out that Solidarity repeatedly requested to be properly involved in the process and to be provided with the necessary information, but those requests were ignored.

“The city deserves fairness and accountability. We are considering urgent court proceedings and have therefore formally called on the metro to cease its unlawful conduct,” Van der Bijl concluded.