VEREENIGING. – Like a cat with nine lives, NHM’s leader Bishop Vincent Jones has reemerged at the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) following his departure from the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM).

The New Horizon Movement (NHM) has congratulated its leader on his appointment as MMC of Finance in the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM). The Executive Mayor of SDM, Lerato Maloka appointed the President of NHM, Jones, as the municipality’s new MMC of Finance on Tuesday.

NHM Spokesperson, Mpho Khang, said that Jones’ appointment followed two months of extensive discussions between NHM and the ruling ANC.

Khang added that while there is currently no formal coalition agreement in place, both parties are committed to working together to reach an agreement that prioritises good governance, service delivery, and proper financial management.

“While our focus will primarily be on the Sedibeng District Municipality, we are deeply concerned about the state of affairs in Emfuleni Local Municipality. We have expressed our willingness to play any role necessary to help rescue Emfuleni from its current challenges,” Khang said.

He further added that given the critical situation in the ELM, it is essential for all political parties involved to refrain from engaging in petty politics, political games, and grandstanding.

“It is crucial for us to set aside our political differences and collaborate in order to transform Emfuleni into a municipality that we can all be proud of and consider our home.”

Jones is also a former Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Works.

He together with PAC’ Mbuyiselo Gantsu was fired from the Mayoral Committee (Mayco) of the ELM earlier this year after what was said to be weeks of political tension intensified by their introduction of a motion of no confidence against ELM Executive Mayor, Sipho Radebe, they then became ordinary members of the council. Their dismissal from the Government of Local Unity (GLU) was with immediate effect.

Jones now resurfaces at the SDM.