The new chief of staff in the City of Tshwane, André Coetzee, was previously a director of policy and planning in the private office of former Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba.
Coetzee’s appointment was announced this week by Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya, who expressed hope that his vast experience in public service will be crucial to advancing her administration’s governance agenda.
Moya, who served as the chief of staff under former Mayor Stevens Mokgalapa, said: “Having worked with André for several years, I am confident that his knowledge of city governance, combined with his experience of operating within a complex coalition environment, will be of immense value to my office and the new multiparty government in Tshwane.”
She said it was important to bring in fit-for- purpose, professional staff who are fully committed to her administration’s collective governance agenda focusing on confronting the significant challenges facing Tshwane.
“Ensuring that my administration is supported by the expertise needed to drive meaningful change is critical to our success,”she said.
She expressed optimism in working with André to ensure that her administration delivers on its commitments of improving service delivery, enhancing infrastructure and building a City that truly serves all residents.
André holds a Master of Public Policy with Distinction from the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, as well as a Master of Arts in International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies from Stellenbosch University.
Moya said his academic background and extensive public sector experience make him exceptionally well qualified for this position.
In addition to his academic achievements, she said, André brings over a decade of experience in politics and the public sector.
He previously served in various roles focused on legislative politics, policy development and implementation, urban governance and strategic planning.
From 2016 to 2019, André served as director of policy and planning in the private office of Mashaba during his tenure as Joburg mayor.
“During this time, he played a pivotal role in shaping and executing the city’s strategic vision, representing the mayor in the city’s integrated planning processes,” Moya said.
She praised André’s contributions while working under Mashaba, saying they were instrumental in the development of Joburg’s annual integrated development plan and budgets.
According to Moya, he assisted Mashaba in redirecting non-strategic expenditure towards frontline services and infrastructure development.
André took over the reins from Jordan Griffiths who has been a chief of staff under two DA former mayors Randall Williams and Cilliers Brink.
Pretoria News
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za