City of Tshwane disputes claims that it's on the brink of failing to pay salaries
The City of Tshwane's Deputy Executive Mayor and MMC for Finance, Cllr Eugene Modise, has dismissed opposition claims that the metro was at risk of failing to pay employee salaries, describing the allegations as "categorically false" and politically motivated ahead of the November 4, 2026 local government elections.
Modise said the City was compelled to respond to what he called a misleading narrative suggesting Tshwane was either unable, or at risk of being unable, to meet its payroll obligations. He argued that the claims formed part of a broader attempt to discredit the financial progress made under the current Multi-Party Coalition Government.
"At no stage was the City unable, or likely to be unable, to meet its payroll obligations," Modise said.
He explained that employee salaries are planned well in advance through established treasury management processes. According to Modise, after salaries were paid, the City still maintained a positive bank balance of approximately R1.8 billion, directly contradicting claims that it had "come dangerously close to not making payroll."
