Deputy minister of Trade and Industry Mzwandile Masina has been named as the mayoral candidate for the ANC in Ekurhuleni.
Masina, who is the regional chairperson of the Ekurhuleni ANC, would replace incumbent mayor Clr Mondli Gungubele, whose term of office ends this year.
Masina was the CEO at the Gauteng Film Commission and also worked as deputy director general at the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
Gungubele has welcomed the decision of the ruling ANC.
“If I came to Ekurhuleni in 2011 and messed up the city, I would be very disappointed,” he said.
“Right now I am at peace with my future. I have done what I was deployed by the ANC to do and I am not disappointed.
“When you join the ANC you do so voluntarily because you want to serve the interests of the people of the republic, and the party will always decide where it believes you can best serve this purpose.”
The mayor will give full support to his successor “because ultimately this is not about individuals but the interests of the people of Ekurhuleni.”
Gungubele thanked everyone who contributed during his term of office.
“We had great political leadership,” he said.
“The executive did a great job and oversight was as equally effective.
“The administration, entities and other stakeholders also ensured the success of our programme.
“All said and done, I wish to also thank my family for the support they gave me and continue to give me during the trying and exciting times in my life as a politician.”
Gungubele committed to assist whenever he is called upon to do so and wished Masina the best of the luck.
“My focus right now will be in campaigning for my party, the ruling ANC to win the forthcoming local government elections with overwhelming majority so that we can continue with the good work we have done in the past 15 years,” he added.
Gungubele was appointed as Ekurhuleni mayor in October 2010.
Local government elections will take place on August 3.
Also read: On this day in history: South Africa held its first democratic elections
Behind the Scenes | IEC Elections Results Centre
