RICHVIEW – The inaugural meeting of Amajuba District Council went off without a hitch on Friday.
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Compared to the washout of a first local council meeting, the appointment and election of District officials ran far smoother, even with a large contingent of ANC supporters in-house.
The inaugural meeting took place at the Monte Vista Casino conference room.
Proceedings got under way with the swearing-in of the District councillors, and the signing of the Code of Conduct.
After these formalities, the election process began.
Former Mayor of Newcastle, Afzul Rehman received a standing ovation, following his election as Speaker of District Council.
Cllr Rehman said it was an honour to accept the post.
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“I express my sincere appreciation to the ANC for entrusting me to serve as Speaker of District Council.”
The party supporters erupted into applause again a short while later, after Dr Musa Ngubane was put forward as District Mayor.
He accepted the nomination, and was subsequently voted in.
“I want to emphasise the importance of participation and collaboration within the community, moving forward,” Cllr Ngubane said in his first speech.
He called for unity, despite political affiliation, race or creed, and said working together could elevate the Amajuba District to among the top municipalities in the country.
Cllr Ngubane commended his fellow councillors on putting the community first.
Calling debate highly acceptable, he expressed willingness to work productively with them, and earn the respect of district residents.
“If we work, and if we put aside our bias and recognise no one can do it by themselves, we can be a bigger Amajuba, a bigger district. We can rise above our individual personalities and address other issues, including water and sanitation, to the advantage of Government and citizens.”
In paying homage to the outgoing District Council, Cllr Ngubane said he would appreciate their continued advice and support.
The true work, he added, did not start tomorrow, but now.
Following Cllr Ngubane’s speech, which was met with cheering and applause, Sipho Nkosi was nominated and voted in as the Deputy Mayor
