The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) welcomes the High Court’s ruling finding the Tshwane Metro Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, and City Manager, Johann Mettler, guilty of contempt of court for failing to comply with a previous court order mandating the upgrade of the Fresh Produce Market in Pretoria.
The Institute for Market Agents of South Africa (IMASA) brought the legal action against the Mayor and City Manager due to the Tshwane Metro’s failure to comply with a court order requiring an investment of R18 million to upgrade the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market.
On 11 August, Judge Mmonoa Teffo found the Metro, Moya and Mettler guilty of contempt and handed down a one-month suspended imprisonment sentence of one year, provided they comply with the order within 30 days.
The order instructs the Metro to provide a renovation plan for the market premises within 30 days.
The approved renovation plan has to include the installation and repair of fire and smoke detection devices, electrical connections, facilities, security, lifts, sanitation and waste removal.
It is regrettable that the Mayor and City Manager had to be compelled to take action by a court order.
Such dereliction of duty demonstrates serious shortcomings in leadership.
The Freedom Front Plus demands accountability and will do everything in its power to ensure that the court order is implemented for all Tshwane Metro residents’ benefit.
