Cilliers Brink’s Unusual Farewell: A Send-Off That Left South Africa Talking
- Ex-Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink received a farewell usually reserved for the most controversial figures.
- In viral clips circulating online, Brink is seen being mocked and jeered by a crowd celebrating his exit.
- Online reactions have been mixed, with some sympathizing with the DA leader while others criticize the raucous scenes.
TSHWANE — Picture this: A sea of people erupting in cheers as former Democratic Alliance (DA) Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink was escorted out of his office on Thursday. It wasn’t just a simple goodbye; it was pure jubilation, almost like a party celebrating the end of an era. But let’s be real—this wasn’t your typical farewell. This was more like a rock concert, but instead of music, there were chants of "bye-bye" ringing through the air.
Hundreds gathered outside the Isivuno Building, including former staff members, political opponents, and representatives from rival parties like the African National Congress (ANC), ActionSA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). They came together not to mourn but to celebrate what many saw as liberation from Brink’s leadership. And let me tell you, the energy in that room? Electric.
Brink’s Chaotic Exit: The Video That Went Viral
An X user, @ZANewsFlash, captured the moment on camera, and the video quickly spread across social media platforms. In the clip, you can hear the crowd erupting with laughter, jeers, and even some harsh words aimed at Brink. The caption on the video read: “Hhayi bo, uCilliers Brink uvaleliswe kanje eTshwane namuhla?” Translation? “Wow, Cilliers Brink has been kicked out of Tshwane today?”
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But here’s the backstory: Brink’s downfall wasn’t sudden. The ANC, along with ActionSA and the EFF, had been planning their move for weeks. They filed a motion of no confidence against him, arguing that his leadership lacked vision and direction. When the votes were tallied, 120 councillors voted against him, while 87 supported him, with one abstention. That’s when the celebrations began—and boy, did they go all out.
A Quick Look Back at Brink’s Time in Office
Cilliers Brink didn’t start his tenure with a bang. He was appointed mayor during a council meeting on March 28, 2023, after a coalition of parties voted him into power. His win over COPE councillor Ofentse Moalusi was razor-thin—just seven votes separated them (109 to 102). For many, this narrow victory felt like a sign of things to come. Still, Brink managed to secure the mayoral chain, albeit briefly.
His leadership style, however, seemed to rub people the wrong way. Whether it was his decision-making or interpersonal relationships, something clearly didn’t sit right with his constituents. And when the no-confidence vote came around, it became evident that his time at the helm was coming to an end. Now, with the ANC, ActionSA, and EFF forming a potential new coalition, questions remain about the future of Tshwane politics.
South Africans React to the Rude Send-Off
The internet exploded with opinions after the video surfaced. While some sympathized with Brink, others defended the crowd’s behavior, suggesting he deserved it. Let’s dive into the reactions:
@SKekezwa wrote:
“Hayi, noko. This bully of a woman in the red Tsonga dress disgusts me. Honestly, this level of disrespect is unnecessary.”
@uLwazi_Wami chimed in:
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“I wouldn’t wish this kind of treatment on my worst enemy. It’s just sad to see someone humiliated like this, no matter how bad their leadership was.”
@AwaitedOne1 added:
“He must have been a truly terrible boss for the crowd to react this way. Maybe there’s more to the story than meets the eye.”
So, where does this leave us? Cilliers Brink’s departure may mark the beginning of a new chapter for Tshwane, but it also raises important questions about how we treat our leaders—even those we disagree with. In a country as passionate as South Africa, political drama is almost inevitable. But as we watch these events unfold, it’s worth reflecting on whether this kind of public spectacle serves anyone’s best interests.
