By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
African National Congress (ANC) Ekurhuleni Convener Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has been elected as the new executive mayor of City of Ekurhuleni.
The municipality had been without a mayor after African Independent Congress (AIC) councillor Sivuyile Ngodwana’s removal through a motion of no confidence.
The motion was sponsored by ActionSA.
Ngodwana survived three attempts to remove him from his mayoral office but was eventually voted out last month.
Xakaza was elected unopposed.
The party’s provincial chairperson and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the new mayor’s first task will be to establish a mayoral committee that works for everyone.
“The reality is that we have gone through many hiccups. I think that is what inspired other political parties to accept the proposals that we have made and the outcome of the motion.
“The mayor, we will congratulate him but he must lead the council. He mustn’t lead any faction or any side of the municipality, and we must learn. Hopefully, stability will reign and we will have a municipality that will render service to our citizens.”
Lesufi said the ANC persuaded other political parties not to oppose Xakaza’s election.
“We have an agreement with all political parties. I met with the EFF and all other political parties that are represented in the council. That is why they didn’t field a candidate.”
MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Mzi Khumalo has also engaged in discussions with Speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga before the council meeting.
Khumalo said his presence was to make sure the meeting was held as planned and before the April 12 deadline.
He said tension in the council harmed service delivery and called for residents’ needs to be put ahead of political squabbles.
In his inaugural speech, he vowed to work together with all parties to deliver service to the people.
“I will be more consultative and ensure that we govern in the interest of the council’s collective parties.
“Our utmost priority is to ensure the sustainable provision of basic services across the city, uninterrupted electricity supply, stabilised water supply, restoration of a strong revenue base and investment in infrastructure, examination of governance issues, and establishment of a corrupt-free government.
“We will equally ensure that, as political leaders, we discharge our responsibilities, which are a constitutional mandate of local government.”
Xakaza said he will soon announce the members of the mayoral committee, which will fast-track the delivery of services to the community.
He is no stranger to the council, as he has served in the municipality since 2011. He also served as the Member MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy, Finance, Economic Development and ICT.