PRETORIA – Solly Msimanga has announced his intention to resign as Tshwane mayor.

Msimanga, who has been the capital city’s mayor since 2016, made the announcement at a media briefing on Friday.

He says his resignation will be finalised within the first two weeks of February.

Msimanga will be quitting to focus on his campaign as the Democratic Alliance’s Gauteng premier candidate for the 2019 elections.

“Up until the last hour, I will continue serving the people of Tshwane and putting their needs first,” Msimanga said.

“This decision was not made lightly or hastily, and I have done so because I believe it best serves the interests of the people of Tshwane, and Gauteng as a whole.”