The 13 political parties voted into council between November 2 and 4, will head to the council chambers after the first meeting has been called by Municipal Manager Mandla Mnguni.

The first formal sitting, in which the political leadership will be elected, will take place on Tuesday, November 17.

The sitting will kick off at 09:00.

Councillors will be sworn in, then a new mayor, speaker and chief whip will have to be elected.

The ANC ascended to the mayoral office in 2021 after the DA abstained from the vote, resulting in Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela’s election.

The meeting has been called by Mnguni as a notice given in terms of Section 29 (2) of the Local Government Municipal Structures Act of 1998.

The council must be called within 14 days of the elections.

Parties were all locked in negotiations over the weekend.

The DA met with the ANC last week with the eye on a possible pact of co-operative governance.

The DA scored 16 seats against the ANC’s 19.

The DA, however, made it clear that it would consider any coalition agreements to benefit voters and the broader community.

The sitting will be open for the public but limited seating is available.

Members of the public will not to allowed to involve themselves with proceedings.

Chamber doors will also be closed once the meeting commences.

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