The Umzimvubu local municipality has elected a new council speaker.
This follows the resignation of Nkosomzi Nomnganga on July 8.
ANC councillor Sivikele Mathebe, 27, was unanimously elected to take over the reins after a council meeting earlier this week.
Umzimvubu senior communications manager Nokhanya Zembe said despite his relatively young age, Mathebe boasted a wealth of leadership experience at Sasco, the ANC Youth League and as a councillor since 2021.
“He served as a member of the special programmes and communication standing committee and also served in the council whippery committee, demonstrating a strong track record in public service, which positions him well to lead the council during this transitional period,” she said.
“The municipality reaffirms its commitment to upholding the principles of good governance and the rule of law.
“We assure our residents that the council will continue to work tirelessly to address the pressing issues facing our municipality, from infrastructure development to social services.
“Our focus remains on creating a thriving and sustainable environment for all.”
An elated Mathebe said he was honoured by the appointment.
“I am grateful for the confidence shown in me. It is such an honour that they have bestowed this responsibility that I am about to take up.
“We are all aware that the office of the speaker deals particularly with matters of public participation.
“I promise I will uphold all the policies of the municipality and dignity of the people of the municipality as well as the respect of the public.
“Our main objective is to ensure they get service delivery,” he said.
Mathebe said he would cultivate strong working relations with everyone, including traditional leaders, ratepayers, initiation forums and community development workers.
He also thanked the ANC for “trusting me with such a huge responsibility.”
It was reported recently that a planned council meeting to elect a new council speaker was disrupted by protesting business owners who stormed the council chambers.
The chaos ensued after Nomnganga had tendered his resignation, though the protest was unrelated to his position.
Nomnganga was ordered by the ANC to step aside amid an outcry after he was charged with attempted murder.
He is alleged to have shot and wounded a young man in KwaBhaca in 2018. The case has not been resolved yet.
The EFF in Umzimvubu said it had written to municipal manager Thobela Nota demanding answers after allegations surfaced that the municipality had paid Nomnganga’s legal bills.
The municipality dismissed the allegations, saying it was not involved in the case.
Regional ANC secretary Polelo Mohale confirmed Nomnganga had been asked to step aside pending the finalisation of the case.
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