The city of Tshwane has officially parted ways with controversial city manager Moeketsi Mosola, mayor Stevens Mokgalapa announced on Friday.

Mosola has been a subject of controversy for much of his tenure, especially last year. In particular, he was caught up in the consultancy agreement the city entered into with GladAfrica - which was eventually cancelled.

Mokgalapa said the controversy around Mosola had caused irreversible tensions between the administrative and political wings of the city.

The release of Mosola, the mayor believes, will bring about stability in Tshwane, one of the worst-performing metro municipalities in the country according to the auditor-general's recently released reports.

"It is no secret that the city experienced heightened tensions between political office bearers and the administration in 2018," said Mokgalapa.

"While it would be improper for me to apportion blame, it would be insincere of me not to acknowledge the negative effect this has had on service delivery.

"I take this opportunity to state upfront that my relationship with the city manager has been one of utmost professionalism and based on mutual respect for the positions we both held."

Despite blaming Mosola for Tshwane's woes, Mokgalapa praised the DA administration, under Mosola for two-and-a-half years, for "significant improvements".

Said Mokgalapa: "Notwithstanding these achievements, the damage has been done and I believe the city and its residents deserve a clean slate.

"It is for this reason that I approached council to support a decision to part ways with the city manager, amicably so."