There is a heavy police presence in the Pretoria CBD today‚ ahead of a crucial sitting of the city council which will decide mayor Solly Msimanga’s fate.

A ring of steel separates DA and ANC supporters‚ who have come in their hundreds to support their respective political parties ahead of a motion of no confidence which will be heard at 2pm.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane addressed party supporters from the back of an open truck outside Sammy Marks Square‚ where council chambers are situated.

He said they were there to fight attempts to return the city to the ANC through the support of the EFF.

Msimanga is facing separate motions no confidence from the ANC and the EFF‚ and all indications are that he will be voted out by a combined majority from the two parties.

Msimanga angered the EFF after taking action against city manager Moeketsi Mosola over a R12-billion contract awarded to engineering consultancy GladAfrica to manage the city’s infrastructure projects over a three-year period.

The EFF‚ which voted with the DA in 2016 to give it control of the city‚ has accused the Tshwane mayor of failing to consult them about the action he was taking against Mosola.

Should Msimanga be removed‚ the EFF has said it will support an ANC candidate‚ who is likely to be the party’s regional leader‚ Kgoshi Maepa‚ or back the DA again if it presents another candidate.

EFF leader Julius Malema had called on the DA to nominate another candidate from the party to take over from Msimanga‚ but following an urgent meeting on Wednesday‚ leader Mmusi Maimane refused to do so.

“We stand firmly and resolutely behind the mayor of Tshwane‚" Maimane said at a press briefing following the meeting.

"Come tomorrow [Thursday]‚ we will not be presenting a different candidate‚" he added.