By Donald Monakisi
SAMWU Tshwane Region Regional Secretary
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in the Tshwane region notes with concern the DA Tshwane Caucus’ theatrical protest over the resignation of Governance and Support Officer (GSO) Ashraf Adam.
Their feigned outrage over officials being “forced out” is nothing more than a thinly veiled distraction from the real issue—Adam’s deliberate failure to disclose critical information that should have disqualified him from employment in the first place.
Rather than confronting the ethical breaches that marred his appointment, the DA has chosen to fabricate a narrative of political victimisation, a desperate ploy to divert attention from their own failings.
For years, the DA has masqueraded as the paragon of clean governance while quietly entrenching its own system of cadre deployment. They have consistently prioritised political loyalty over merit, appointing individuals who serve their agenda rather than the public good.
Yet, when one of their own is held accountable, they cry foul, attempting to rewrite the narrative to evade responsibility.
The DA cannot claim to uphold the principles of good governance while shielding compromised figures within their ranks. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.
Let us be unequivocal: Adam was not pushed out—he chose to resign.
Had he been innocent, had he truly believed in his own integrity, he would have stayed to face due process and clear his name.
Instead, he fled, knowing full well that further scrutiny would expose his misconduct.
His resignation is not an act of principle; it is a tacit admission of guilt.
The DA’s sudden indignation over political interference is nothing short of laughable, given their own history of questionable appointments in Tshwane.
Under Solly Msimanga’s leadership, the DA engaged in the very practices they now condemn:
· Stefan de Villiers, a former bodybuilder and DA loyalist, was handed a senior executive role in the mayor’s office despite glaring deficiencies in qualifications and experience.
His appointment was a blatant act of political patronage, devoid of merit.
· Marietha Aucamp, Msimanga’s Chief of Staff, was awarded a senior position with an annual salary of R1.2 million, despite lacking the requisite qualifications.
The DA-led administration not only bypassed legal procedures but actively concealed the irregularities.
When exposed, Msimanga feigned ignorance, despite evidence proving his involvement in the hiring process.
The DA’s hypocrisy is staggering. They have long used political appointments to shield their interests while preaching accountability.
Now, they expect the public to believe they are victims of political persecution, when in reality, they are finally being held to account for their own misdeeds.
Adam’s resignation is not merely the result of his failure to disclose critical information; it is also a reflection of his troubling track record.
Multiple allegations of workplace bullying and abuse of power have followed him. Under his leadership, employees endured a toxic environment of fear and intimidation.
In one egregious incident, his reckless conduct during a management meeting caused a female employee to collapse in front of her colleagues.
Yet, the DA, which claims to champion ethical leadership, has conveniently ignored these allegations, choosing instead to defend Adam’s supposed innocence.
If Adam were the competent and ethical professional the DA claims, he would have fought to clear his name through legal channels.
Instead, he chose to resign abruptly, a clear indication that he could not withstand the scrutiny of due process.
The DA’s attempts to portray him as a victim are as disingenuous as they are desperate.
SAMWU will never stand by as senior officials, regardless of their political affiliations, abuse their power, violate ethical standards, and mistreat workers.
The employees of Tshwane deserve leaders who act with integrity, not those who exploit their positions for personal gain and evade accountability.
We say good riddance to individuals like Adam, who believe they can act with impunity.
SAMWU will continue to hold accountable those who abuse their power, whether they are shielded by the DA, the ANC, or any other political entity.
The workers of Tshwane are not pawns in political games, and SAMWU will remain at the forefront of the fight for fairness, justice, and transparency.