Maboa-Boltman is new mayor
Newly appointed mayor says she is ready to transform the municipality
SECUNDA – Ms Florah Maboa-Boltman of the ANC was elected as the new mayor of the Govan Mbeki Municipality on Thursday, 18 August.
All councillors were sworn in by Magistrate Annie Dupree and Mr Nhlakanipho Zuma of the ANC was elected as the Speaker.
The EFF councillors wore red overalls and nominated Mr Anthony Mkhwanazi for the Speaker’s position.
He however had 22 votes against the 37 of Mr Zuma during the election.
The DA nominated Mr Encee van Huyssteen for the mayoral position, but he received 23 votes against the 37 of Ms Maboa-Boltman.
The independent councillor of Sakhisizwe Progressive Movement (Sapromo) nominated Mr Cyril Gwiji for the mayoral position, however Mr Gwiji disputed the nomination and said he was not available.
Mr Doctor Mtshali was elected as the chief whip.
Ms Maboa-Boltman began her inaugural speech by thanking the voters for voting for the ANC.
She promised to work with everyone in the council.
She said her party listened to the people while they were doing door-to-door campaigning and she is ready to respond to them by offering good services.
“During our campaign, we interacted with our community, including women and the youth, and they talked about their unhappiness.
“What they said has not gone unheard.
“Among the issues raised were housing, stands for churches, sewage, the condition of roads and electricity issues.
“The main issue was unemployment that mostly affects the youth.
“All of us, including the opposition parties, must be able to get into this space.
“I want to work together to make this institution respected by all.
“The communication channels as from today must be opened.”
She called on political parties to stop reporting issues to the media, but to come on board to discuss them.
Ms Maboa-Boltman also announced her mayoral committee members.
They are Ms Thandi Mtsweni (MMC: Special Projects), Mr Themba Mtsweni (MMC: Finance), Mr Anthony Makhaye (MMC: Technical Services), Ms Betty Ndaba (MMC: Cooperate Services), Ms Thandi Xonono (MMC: Planning and Development) and Ms Ethel Nkosi (MMC: Community Services).
The ANC received five seats in the Gert Sibande District, the DA two, the EFF one and Sapromo none.
