Both the DA and FF+ told www.mobserver.co.za that their councillors would abstain from a mayoral vote, ahead of the sitting.

As the sole nominee, Mayor Motsepe was elected without a single ballot cast.

DA caucus leader Mr Johann Dyason said the party did not nominate its own mayoral candidate due to the looming 2021 local government elections, which will open the door for a new mayor to be elected.

“During his speech Mayor Motsepe made several promises, like cleaning the town, having an open-door policy, placing all residents of the town first, spending at least 90% of the budget by financial year-end and ensuring that municipal officials get out of their offices to work, and we will be monitoring him closely,” Cllr Dyason said.

“The spending of the budget is a concern, and we will ensure the available money goes directly to where it is needed.”

FF+ Cllr Johan Duvenhage welcomed Mayor Motsepe to the office, saying, “He’s always treated us with respect and we will afford him the same.”

EFF Chief Whip Cllr Enos Sebesho echoed the DA’s sentiments, calling for Mayor Motsepe to include, rather than exclude, opposition parties in his plenary going forward.

“As a councillor, Mr Motsepe had to defend the ANC, as Mayor, Cllr Motsepe now serves the town and its people despite political affiliation, we will hold him to his oath of public service,” Cllr Sebesho said.

“We’ve noticed one big blunder in the appointment of MMC Catherine Mkhuma, who failed dismally in her previous portfolio of Community Safety,” Mr Sebesho said, adding, “All we see is someone to hold the money coffer open for looting.”

Cllr Sebesho says Mayor Motsepe must commit to ensuring local jobs go to local people, regardless of political affiliation, based on qualifications, especially senior positions.

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