SEDIBENG. – Following the recent axing of Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Works, Bishop Vincent Jones from the mayoral committee, the New Horizon Movement (NHM) has called for the ELM to declare his seat vacant in the Council.

NHM has called for the move stating that Jones no longer represents it in the ELM following the election of a new executive committee late last year, where Benjamin Motsukuyane was elected its leader.

Jones, however, refused to vacate his seat at the ELM saying that he does not recognise the new leadership.
NHM, ANC, PAC, Patriotic Alliance, Solidarity Party, and Vaal Party are in a coalition at the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), making it one of the major decision-makers in the municipality. Jones was axed by ELM Executive Mayor, Sipho Radebe as MMC together with PAC’s Mbuyiselo Gantsu after they allegedly supported a motion of no confidence against Radebe.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Motsukunyane said that Jones defied NHM’s mandate and was subsequently expelled by NHM.

“He has been dealt a double blow by the ruling party (ANC) which has also expelled him from his MMC position after he tried to betray the Executive Mayor by conniving with his cronies in planning to remove the mayor. He was doing this hoping that he (Vincent Jones) will replace the current mayor and become the Executive Mayor, Motsukunyane said adding that as NHM they are not surprised by Jones’’ actions. We knew from the time he betrayed us that he is a real ‘Power Monger’, and he is there for convenience and not for the people.”

Motsukunyane further said that Jones does not have a constituency or followers.

“He has also told the media lies when he said NHM does not have any members. He is going to be removed from the Council by legitimate NHM members including 47 NHM ward councillors who contested as NHM candidates in the past 2021 local government elections.”

At the time of going to print Jones could not be reached for comment.