PRETORIA – Tshwane has a new Mayor and he is not from the ANC. Solly Msimanga of the Democratic Alliance (DA) has been elected unopposed as the new mayor of Tshwane. Msimanga was elected unopposed as mayor, the first Democratic Alliance (DA) official to take charge of the city since the dawn of democracy.
All councillors have been sworn and the DA’s Rachel Mathebe has been elected as the new speaker.
Mathebe announced Msimanga’s appointment.
“Schedule 3 item 3 of the Municipal Structures Act dictate that where there’s only one candidate nominated, I must declare that candidate elected. I now, in terms of this section, declare Honourable Councillor Solly Tshepiso Msimanga as the new executive mayor of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Council.”
Msimanga began by thanking those who voted for him.
“Good afternoon, change has come to Tshwane. I had a prepared speech, but I want to talk to the residents from my heart today.”
However he was interrupted by a member of the opposition.
“Solly, please tell the truth. You didn’t win, you were assisted.”
Msimanga fought back, calling for the member to sit down.
“I think you can learn a thing or two about humility. Be humble, this is why you came number two because you refuse to be humble.”
This came after a brief delay by the African National Congress ANC at the official ceremony to swear in the new mayor and councillors of the capital city.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and other opposition parties announced this week that they’d support the DA to elect new local governments in several hung municipalities.
Proceedings were delayed when queries emerged about a court judgment over an ANC councillor candidate.
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