COUNCIL: Second attempt at inaugural meeting

RICHVIEW – The inaugural council meeting finally concluded on Wednesday afternoon.

After the first scheduled meeting was postponed on Monday, after a no-show by the African National Congress (ANC), proceedings got underway two days later at the Richview Civic Hall.

Related article: ANC holds onto Newcastle’s reins

SAPS had a far greater presence, following upset during the course of Monday’s meeting.

However, despite a large contingent of public and political supporters in the gallery, this time proceedings went off without a hitch.

Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane opened with appreciation for the outgoing councillors.

He paid homage to those who would not return, those who had retired and those who had passed on, stating they had all served with distinction.

Also read: ANC ward candidate gunned down in front of family

However, Economic Freedom Fighters members were not satisfied.

“We cannot continue like it’s business as usual,” said . “We deserve a public apology from the ANC. We can never be held at ransom.”

He said a written explanation was demanded, as the meeting had been undermined.

While Mr Mswane said it was noted, he also explained a motion should have been submitted by the EFF at Monday’s meeting.

Thus, he considered the matter closed.

After this rocky start, the meeting moved to the presentation of certificates for councillors, the swearing of an oath, in the presence of Magistrate, Sandy Hill, and the signing of the Code of Conduct.

It was then onto the election of critical positions.

Both Jabulile Khumalo and Sam Mlangeni were nominated for the position of Newcastle Council Speaker, both with experience running the show at district level.

With ANC in the majority, Cllr Khumalo was elected and took over chairing of the meeting.

The opposition parties held a brief caucus, before opting to abstain from the remainder of the voting processes.

The second voting process dealt with the Executive Committee members.

Incoming councillors are as follows: Makhosini Nkosi, Duduzile Sibiya, Matthew Shunmugam, Reuben Molelekoa, Nkosinathi Zwane, Vuselwa Bam, Bebsie Cronje and Shadrack Thwala.

Mrs Sibiya also received the nod as Deputy Mayor, unopposed.

Grace Nguni is the new Chief Whip, while Mqapheleni Ngcobo was handed responsibility over the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).

The election of the other MPAC members is still to take place.

As it was explained, the ANC has eight positions on the committee, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has two, while the Democratic Alliance (DA), EFF and Royal Loyal Progress (RLP) have one apiece.

A proportional system was also used for the district council seats.

After calculations by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and a formal vote, the ANC was given seven district council seats, the IFP two, and one each for the DA, EFF and Azanian People’s Organisation (AZAPO).

Notable names on district council are Thami Nzuze, Bertie Meiring and Reginald Ndima.

With the formalities concluded, incoming Mayor, Makhosini Nkosi gave his first speech, which made mention of the importance of women in the history of South Africa.

He also called on local government to be a catalyst of change and service delivery.

“People of Newcastle voted this council in, and Exco and council must determine our capacity to provide.”

Cllr Nkosi said his aim was to bring transparent governance to the people of Newcastle, and thanked the ANC leadership for placing faith in his ability to lead.

He added his assurance the new councillors were up to the task.

“I trust the councillors to do a good job, otherwise they not only let Newcastle down, but their parties.”