Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has praised opposition parties s after Dr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza was elected mayor of Ekurhuleni Metro.
Xhakaza, the municipality’s former MMC for finance and economic development, was elected during Thursday’s council meeting. He was nominated unopposed.
This comes after African Independent Congress’ (AIC) Sivuyile Ngodwana was voted out of office on March 28 in a motion of no confidence.
City without mayor for two weeks
Ngodwana’s departure left the city without a mayor for almost two weeks.
Addressing the delay in the election of the mayor, Lesufi, who’s also the ANC chairperson in Gauteng, said the process took a long time because negotiations are difficult.
“We needed to persuade everyone and it took long because we were really trying to put the interests of the municipality first. We didn’t put party political interests first. And that is shown by the results,” said Lesufi.
He further thanked the EFF and all other political parties that made the decision to vote in Xhakaza a smooth one.
“We indicated that the time has arrived that we stabilise this municipality. And we agreed that the party that has the majority must lead this municipality.
Committed to stabilising municipality
“On behalf of the ANC and the citizens of the province I’d like to congratulate the new executive mayor, Dr Xhakaza. We hope we will lead this municipality stabilised. This is not a victory for the ANC, but a victory for multiparty democracy,” said Lesufi.
After taking the oath of office, Xhakaza declared that he would act as a consultative mayor. He vowed to and make sure that the parties govern collectively.
“Our utmost priority is to ensure that the sustainable provision of basic services across the city is good. To ensure that the supply of electricity is not interrupted and that the provision of water is stabilised. And of course, when there are interruptions, we make sure that it’s communicated,” he said.
Restore good revenue base
He went on to say he will ensure that they restore a good revenue base for the dysfunctional municipality.
“We will invest in infrastructure and drive development. …Issues of governance will be looked at, to ensure that we have a corruption-free city. I will soon make an announcement of the members of the mayoral committee. So that we fast-track the delivery of services,” he added.
