Stability amidst legal battle: Gregory Nthatisi elected as acting Mangaung mayor

African National Congress (ANC) uMkhonto we Sizwe veteran, Gregory Nthatisi, has been elected as the acting mayor of Mangaung.

This follows the court granting the ANC an urgent interdict that set aside the election of Papi Mokoena as mayor last week.

Mangaung mayor

Nthatisi was elected as the acting mayor after receiving 50 votes out of the 93 that were cast during a secret ballot at a special sitting of the Mangaung metro’s council.

ANC satisfied with Nthatisi’s appointment

Nthatisi will be serving in this role for at least the next three months in the hope that Mokoena’s matter will be resolved soon.

In a statement, the ANC expressed its satisfaction with the appointment of Nthatisi as the acting mayor of Mangaung, as well as the election of council whip Vumile Nikelo.

It added that Tuesday’s developments must be embraced by the residents of Mangaung, as it would enhance capacity when it comes to the delivery of services.

Mangaung mayor vacancy

The court had granted the ANC an urgent interdict setting aside the election of Papi Mokoena last week, leaving the position of the mayor vacant.

Nthatisi’s appointment was a step towards ensuring that the residents of Mangaung continue to receive services from the council, despite the legal battle over the mayoral election.

The ANC has been grappling with internal divisions in the Free State, with the Mangaung Municipality being one of the most affected areas.

Who is Gregory Nthatisi

Nthatisi is a well-known figure in the ANC, having served as the regional treasurer of the party in the Free State, as well as in various leadership positions in the uMkhonto we Sizwe Veterans Association.

His appointment as the acting mayor of Mangaung is seen as a strategic move by the ANC to strengthen its position in the province, ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

The appointment of Nthatisi is expected to bring stability to the council, and residents of Mangaung hope that this will lead to improved service delivery in the metro.

READ: ANC Free State wins court interdict against Mangaung municipality