Ms Simelane is in the running for mayor, after the vacancy was declared with the passing of Mayor Bagudi Tolo on February 2. Council veteran and long running Mayoral Committee Member for Community Safety, Cllr Diphale Motsepe, has also made the shortlist alongside former councilor and Mayoral Committee Member under Mayor Mike Masina, Mr Philile Nkosi.

Mr Nkosi had at times acted as mayor when Mr Masina was out of office. The decision now rests with the provincial executive of the ANC. A council sitting to confirm the new mayor could be held as soon as Tuesday. Council only has 21 days to fill the position.         * Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za). Do you have a news lead? Contact our editorial office on 013 243 1434 or our standby number for emergencies on 072 248 3855 to share your story with us. Follow us on the Middelburg Observer Facebook group or page or send a WhatsApp to 072 248 3855 with the words “add me” for the latest news.