11:40: Councillors have been divided into groups of ten where affirmations of oath to office and solemn affirmations are being made. •Matters for noting on the agenda are being dealt with first, ahead of voting for council speaker, who will then oversee mayoral and council whip voting.

12:00: The MHRF has raised the issue of the level five grading, which was supressed and will be dealt with at the next council sitting. The municipality is to remain on level four.

12:15: Elections have started after MHRF’s interjection about the number of MMCs.

•The ANC has nominated independent candidate, Thomas Mpye and the MHRF has nominated Mr Ben Mokoena. There are only two nominations so far.