The Democratic Alliance’s Clr Herman Mashaba kicked off his five-year tenure as executive mayor of Johannesburg on Monday after he defeated the African National Congress’s mayoral candidate, Clr Mpho Parks Tau, by 19 votes during the city’s inaugural council meeting at the Johannesburg City Hall.
Clr Mashaba received 144 votes to former executive mayor Clr Tau’s 125. The gruelling 10-hour council session also saw DA’s Clr Vasco Da Gama being elected as Speaker of Council and fellow DA member Clr Kevin Wax as Chief Whip.
The elections were marred by the sudden death of newly sworn-in ANC councillor Nonhlanhla Mthembu.
Clr Mthembu, who had suddenly taken ill, collapsed and died as Speaker Da Gama opened nominations for the position of executive mayor.
Clr Mashaba postponed delivering his inauguration speech in honour of Clr Mthembu.
He said in his short acceptance speech that his administration wanted to “bring dignity to the people of Zandspruit and Alexandra”.
He announced that he would name his mayoral committee in the coming days.
Shortly after being elected Speaker of Council during proceedings presided over by city manager Trevor Fowler, Clr Da Gama said, “Thank you for extending your trust in me. I pledge to be a Speaker who speaks less and listens more.”
Clr Da Gama added that the Office of the Speaker would pay special attention to the safety of all citizens, especially women and children.
The Gauteng ANC said in a statement issued later Monday night, it was saddened by the sudden death of Clr Mthembu, fondly known as “Black Diamond” and “Stompi”.
“Clr Mthembu, who recently celebrated her 50th birthday, was an activist at heart, and a longstanding member of the ANC,” the ANC stated.
“She had devoted her life to serving her community.”
She was a Johannesburg councillor in the 2011–2016 term of office, and was re-elected to serve for another five years.
