ANC's Dr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza Elected Unopposed as Ekurhuleni's New Mayor Amidst Council Shake-up
The Ekurhuleni Municipality has chosen Dr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, a member of the ANC, as its latest mayor.
Xhakaza was elected without opposition on Thursday, securing the majority of votes from both the ruling party and opposition factions within the council.
This mayoral appointment follows the recent ousting of African Independent Congress (AIC) councillor Sivuyile Ngodwana through a vote of no confidence sponsored by ActionSA, leaving the position vacant.
Initial proceedings were delayed due to a meeting scheduled between MEC Mzi Khumalo and EFF council speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga and ANC chief whip Jongiziwe Dlabathi. Khumalo's warning, prompted by a directive for the meeting to take place before April 12, aimed to ensure compliance with official mandates.
Reports suggest that failure to elect a mayor on Thursday could have prompted intervention from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs under Section 139 of Cogta regulations, allowing the provincial executive to intervene in municipalities failing to fulfill their legislative obligations.
ActionSA's caucus leader Siyanda Makhubo expressed full support for Xhakaza's appointment, emphasizing the restoration of services as a priority. Makhubo highlighted that the motion to remove the former mayor was driven by concerns over service delivery and financial management.
While ActionSA initially sought to nominate a candidate, negotiations with other parties, notably the DA, indicated insufficient support for a victory. Nonetheless, ActionSA intends to maintain its position as an effective opposition in the council, ensuring accountability and service delivery to residents.
Dlabathi welcomed Xhakaza's election, viewing it as a victory for residents and an opportunity to focus on stability and service provision.
The election of Xhakaza comes after the municipality's failed attempt to schedule a session last week to elect a new mayor following Ngodwana's removal. The cancellation of the session by council speaker Tshivhenga, citing unforeseen circumstances, was communicated to the MEC's office.
However, the MEC noted a lack of response from Tshivhenga, expecting valid reasons for the absence. The municipality, plagued by service delivery issues such as power outages, sewer spillage, and waste collection problems, anticipates positive changes with the new leadership.
Xhakaza was elected without opposition on Thursday, securing the majority of votes from both the ruling party and opposition factions within the council.
This mayoral appointment follows the recent ousting of African Independent Congress (AIC) councillor Sivuyile Ngodwana through a vote of no confidence sponsored by ActionSA, leaving the position vacant.
Initial proceedings were delayed due to a meeting scheduled between MEC Mzi Khumalo and EFF council speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga and ANC chief whip Jongiziwe Dlabathi. Khumalo's warning, prompted by a directive for the meeting to take place before April 12, aimed to ensure compliance with official mandates.
Reports suggest that failure to elect a mayor on Thursday could have prompted intervention from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs under Section 139 of Cogta regulations, allowing the provincial executive to intervene in municipalities failing to fulfill their legislative obligations.
ActionSA's caucus leader Siyanda Makhubo expressed full support for Xhakaza's appointment, emphasizing the restoration of services as a priority. Makhubo highlighted that the motion to remove the former mayor was driven by concerns over service delivery and financial management.
While ActionSA initially sought to nominate a candidate, negotiations with other parties, notably the DA, indicated insufficient support for a victory. Nonetheless, ActionSA intends to maintain its position as an effective opposition in the council, ensuring accountability and service delivery to residents.
Dlabathi welcomed Xhakaza's election, viewing it as a victory for residents and an opportunity to focus on stability and service provision.
The election of Xhakaza comes after the municipality's failed attempt to schedule a session last week to elect a new mayor following Ngodwana's removal. The cancellation of the session by council speaker Tshivhenga, citing unforeseen circumstances, was communicated to the MEC's office.
However, the MEC noted a lack of response from Tshivhenga, expecting valid reasons for the absence. The municipality, plagued by service delivery issues such as power outages, sewer spillage, and waste collection problems, anticipates positive changes with the new leadership.
