MUST READ: First meeting descends into chaos

The first meeting of the incoming council already saw some political shenanigans.

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This inaugural meeting was meant to include a farewell to non-returning councillors, the introduction of officials, and a series of elections for positions including local council speaker, Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Executive Committee, Chief Whip, Deputy Mayor and Mayor, and Amajuba District Council appointees.

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Instead, things took a turn for the chaotic.

Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane proposed a 10-minute wait for a meeting quorum, following a no-show by African National Congress councillors. This motion was unanimously agreed to by the councillors in attendance.

However, shortly before the 10-minute time limit passed, a large contingent of ANC supporters demanded to be let into an already packed Town Hall. Security was forced to bar the door to prevent forced entry.

With irate residents shouting and banging on the door, Thami Nzuze of AZAPO said he no longer felt safe. Other parties concurred, and thus closed a dismal first chapter of the new council.

As member of public, officials and councillors exited Town Hall, those denied entrance continued to express their outrage through songs and chanting.