Msimanga elected Tshwane mayor

19 August 2016

Pretoria- Democratic Alliance councillor Solly Msimanga was elected executive mayor of the City of Tshwane during a council meeting on Friday.

His nomination was unopposed. An emotional Msimanga stood up to shake the hand of the newly-appointed speaker Rachel Mathebe.

African National Congress members sang Asinavalo (We are not afraid) while Economic Freedom Fighters councillors began booing. Mathebe was also elected unopposed.

The Tshwane council earlier opened with loud cheers and singing as political parties prepared to elect the new mayor.

Proceedings began with ANC councillor Mapiti Matsena objecting to the presence of two ward councillors who had court cases pending.

The sitting had to be adjourned for 10 minutes to allow for discussions on the matter. Upon return, the ANC called for the sitting to be postponed.

"City manager, if you feel that we are not in contempt of court, then it will be your prerogative that we continue," said Matsena.

However, city manager Jason Ngobeni decided to continue and began the process of swearing in the councillors.

DA councillor Christo van den Heever was elected chief whip.

This article first appeared on News 24, see here and here.