An ANC councillor, Ms Nozuko Best, was voted in as the new executive mayor during the council’s inaugural meeting on Monday morning.
The meeting started in chaos when the police had to be called in to keep some members of the public at bay.
They demanded to attend the meeting after all the available seats in the public gallery had been filled, as per the Covid-19 regulations.
Most of those who were left outside were members of the EFF in bright red overalls.
Mr Mogomotsi Sello, who was in the mayor’s seat since Merafong’s controversial previous mayor, Maphefo Mogale-Letsie, was ousted on 1 April, nominated Best for the position. The only other nomination for this position was Mr Devin Nieuwenhuyzen of the DA.
In what was a relatively close call, Best beat Nieuwenhuyzen by only five votes, after securing 29 against his 24 votes.
The voting followed the re-election of Mr Thulani Elvis Mphithikezi as Merafong’s speaker.
Mr Thabo Mokuke is the council’s new chief whip.
Although the election of a new mayoral council was also on the agenda, this item was referred back and will be decided later.
