Xhakaza takes charge of Ekurhuleni mayoral office

“It is a victorious day for residents as the council will now focus on bringing stability in the city and render much-needed services.”

This statement was made by Ekurhuleni whip of council Jongisizwe Dlabathi after the election of Doctor Nkosiphile Xhakaza as executive mayor on April 11.

He was elected unopposed.

The City of Ekurhuleni was left without a mayor for two weeks after the failure of the council to elect a new mayor following the removal of Sivuyile Ngodwana from office.

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The council not opposing Xhakaza’s elections fulfilled the ANC’s proposed amendment to the motion of no confidence that the party with the most seats can put forward a mayoral candidate.

The newly elected mayor promised to serve with integrity and prioritise service delivery also focusing on the finances of the city.

The city has been inundated with service delivery problems, ranging from power outages, sewer spillage, grass cutting and lack of refusal collection to name a few.

ActionsSA responds

Germiston City News spoke to the sponsors of the motion of no confidence against the former mayor.

Following the election of Xhakaza, ActionSA’s caucus leader Siyanda Makhubo said his party, has since the removal of Ngodwana, declared that it will remain a minority opposition to the ANC.

“We are behind the new mayor. We want services to be restored in the city and people need to come before anything. We will ensure the new leadership delivers.

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“We attempted to nominate a candidate but after negotiating with other parties, particularly the DA, we saw that we will not garner enough votes to win the election of the executive mayor’s office,” said Makhubu.

“ActionSA will retain its position in council at being an effective critical opposition, continuing to hold the ANC-led administration accountable and making sure that services are delivered to residents of Ekurhuleni,” said Makhubu.

Meeting with CoGTA

The day’s proceedings were delayed due to a meeting between council speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, whip of council Jongiziwe Dlabathi and Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Mzi Khumalo.

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The purpose of the meeting was to warn the pair to get their house in order or that CoGTA would need to intervene in the city’s affairs if the extraordinary council meeting failed to elect a new mayor.

They were warned of the risk of triggering a process that could have ended in the council being dissolved.

While the city managed to dodge the bullet they are not out of the woods yet.

Khumalo said unity is a necessity. “We were encouraged by the new mayor’ call for cohesiveness, unity and consultation,” said Khumalo.