New speaker of council for RNM

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) recently swore in councillor Phumlani Gumbi as the new speaker of council after the position had been vacant for seven months.

Gumbi was elected during a special council meeting at the RNM Council Chambers on October 4.

Councillors of RNM had previously raised concerns about wards being dysfunctional due to the council not having a permanent speaker.

The position became vacant after Zodwa Mzindle, who served as the speaker of council, was elected as the mayor of RNM.

Gumbi and Ward 15 councillor Sifundo Ngwane were nominated for the speaker position.

A total of 60 councillors voted. Ngwane bagged 23 votes, while Gumbi received 36 votes. One ballot paper was spoilt.

Gumbi pledged to collaborate with every council member to create more robust alliances that improve service delivery.

He explained that he recognised the importance of working with all political parties represented in the council, saying that it is through their collective efforts they will make a difference.

He committed to working tirelessly to ensure that the council becomes a place where robust debates lead to constructive decisions, all aimed at improving the lives of the people.

“I commit to oversight in all the functions of this council. I will be impartial. I promise to guide this council with fairness and a clear sense of direction, upholding the principles of democracy and accountability,” he said.

He added that his leadership will be anchored on transparency and accessibility.

Gumbi promised to operate with an open-door policy, welcoming constructive contributions from all councillors, stakeholders and community members.

He said everyone should feel they have a voice in shaping the municipality.

Gumbi thanked his political home, the ANC, for trusting him with the position.

He said he does not take lightly the trust placed in him by the ANC to serve and lead the RNM council.

In congratulating Gumbi, Ward 18 councillor Douglas Rawlins said things had been bad in the municipality because there was no speaker of council.

“I listened carefully to your speech; I am glad you did not make any extreme promises because they are hard to keep. I appreciate your commitment to working together for service delivery. At least we now have a manned office and someone we can approach when we have concerns,” he said.

Rawlins added he was speaking on behalf of all ward councillors who had had to face the wrath of ratepayers affected by poor service delivery.

“I look forward to working with you to see how we can eliminate all these issues,” he said.

Other political parties, including the EFF and Freedom Front Plus, also wished Gumbi well in his new position.

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