The anticipated extraordinary council meeting in Ekurhuleni, scheduled for 10:00 today, April 11, to elect a new mayor, is yet to kick off.

In the lead-up to the meeting, Mzi Khumalo, the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, held discussions with the Speaker earlier today.

Khumalo reiterated his attendance was to ensure the meeting, to elect a new mayor, is held before April 12.

At 13:00 the IEC was also present at the meeting and nominations started.

Also read: Ekurhuleni set to elect new mayor amidst political uncertainty

Khumalo expressed disappointment with the conduct of councillors, stressing its impact on service delivery and emphasising that the people’s interests should remain paramount.

Originally scheduled for last week, the meeting was deferred by Speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, citing undisclosed reasons for the postponement.

The political climate in Ekurhuleni remains tumultuous, with uncertainty prevailing.

Disagreements among parties persist over the selection of a candidate to fill the void left by the removal of former mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana through a motion of no confidence just two weeks ago, plunging the city into a leadership vacuum.

As the council meeting draws nearer, tensions are palpable, with law enforcement officers maintaining a vigilant presence outside the council chambers.

The outcome of the mayoral election remains uncertain, adding to the intrigue surrounding Ekurhuleni’s political landscape.

Reported earlier: