The anticipated council meeting in Ekurhuleni slated for April 4, faced an unexpected twist as the speaker, Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, announced its postponement.

The decision has left the election of a new mayor hanging in the balance.

The postponement follows hot on the heels of the ousting of former mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana, who lost his position following a council vote supported by 47 councillors, outnumbering the 32 in favour of his retention.

Also read: Ekurhuleni mayor ousted

Tensions ran high during the council meeting last week as motions of no confidence were brought against both Ngodwana and Tshivhenga.

ActionSA initiated the motion against Ngodwana, while the DA filed a motion against Tshivhenga, accusing her of shielding EFF councillors involved in a previous altercation.

The meeting faced further disruptions as the ANC called for a caucus, delaying proceedings and intensifying debates over the meeting’s agenda.

Despite objections, the speaker ruled in favour of reshuffling, leading to a standoff between opposing parties.

Also read: Uncertainty surrounds fate of Ekurhuleni mayor and Speaker facing votes of no confidence

While the ANC withdrew its proposed amendments, the DA pressed for consideration of their own exacerbating concerns of potential disruptions.

However, ActionSA rejected amendments from both parties, fearing further chaos in council proceedings.

Tshivhenga survived the motion of no confidence tabled by the DA.

Her office announced this morning a new date for the council meeting and the election of a new mayor is yet to be communicated.

Fourth Ekurhuleni mayoral election in four years will test the ANC-EFF alliance. https://t.co/94MVtUGSbc

— Megan S. (@SimplyMegszcpt) April 4, 2024