Prince Blessing Mwali has achieved his goal as an independent candidate.
Mwali was sworn in as Madadeni’s Ward 23 Councillor at last Tuesday’s Local Council meeting, with proceedings overseen by legal representative, Kamlesh Gurlal.
This is the conclusion to a prolonged process which began last year.
By-elections for the vacant ward were set aside in August of 2016 by the Electoral Court, after a number of voters not resident in Ward 23 were found to have cast their ballots there.
The court found against the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in this matter.
By-elections then took place in May this year, and the Newcastle Council recently received confirmation from the IEC that Mwali had secured victory in the ward.
His inauguration took place before Gurlal and municipal leadership.
In the presence of said dignitaries, Mwali he swore an oath to uphold the duty and honour of his post and act in the best interests of Newcastle and its people.
He then joined the council ranks for his first official meeting.
The matter of the Ward 23 by-election appeared later in the council proceedings, after Economic Freedom Fighters councillors put forward a motion.
This related to a ‘senior citizen event’ hosted in Ward 23 this month.
EFF councillors demanded a written response to questions, pertaining to the purpose of the event, why Ward 23 was chosen and if Supply Chain Management processes were followed.
The party accused the ANC-led municipality of spending money it didn’t have.
There were additional allegations that the hosting of the event was political in nature, given the proximity of the event to the Ward 23 by-elections.
Mayor, Makhosini Nkosi did not believe so.
He claimed Ward 23 had seen many challenges owing to a breakdown of communication between younger and older generations, and that the issue of generation gaps was one which needed to be resolved.
“The purpose of this event was the empowerment of senior citizens and helping them understand the youth. It also involved Legal Aid, SAPS, the Department of Health, the Department of Sport and Recreation and senior citizen forums.”
Cllr Nkosi stated the municipality’s involvement was budgeted for, including the donation of blankets and an information stand at the event.
“With an event of this nature it’s important for the municipality to show its support.”
He believed a sufficient explanation was given to the EFF in person, and further emphasised the SCM policies had been followed.
The EFF remained dissatisfied with his response, however.
Councillors reiterated the proximity of the event to the Ward 23 by-elections, and raised hackles by commenting on how the ruling party had still lost out to an independent candidate.
EFF members then called for those involved to be held accountable.
Cllr Nkosi gave a final response that the due processes were followed, but was happy to meet with the EFF to deal with the matter in an appropriate manner.
