MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Following the resignation of Cllr Brighton Tlakula as mayor of the Makhado Municipality last Tuesday, attempts to find out from Council who the new mayor would be were met with silence.

On Tuesday, September 2, Council broke this silence when Cllr Rhulani Sarel Nkuzana was sworn in as the new mayor of the Makhado Municipality during the 21st special meeting of Council. Although not much is known at this stage about the mayor, who previously did not serve on the local Council, it is said that he hails from the Vhembe District Municipality.

Following his appointment as mayor, Cllr Langanani Mashau of the UDM congratulated Cllr Nkuzana on his appointment and said that he hopes the new mayor will restore governance in the municipality. Cllr Mashau added that Cllr Nkuzana's appointment was long overdue. He said however, that it was a pity that the new mayor did not say anything in his speech as to how he was going to restore law and order in Council and how he was going to deal with the allegations about unauthorised expenditure, nepotism and corruption with regard to, amongst others, the tender committee.

Cllr Takie Makananisa from the NNP also welcomed the appointment of Cllr Nkuzana as new mayor. He stated that Cllr Nkuzana's appointment comes with the understanding that the Makhado Municipality has been very controversial on issues such as sexual harassment, tender mismanagement, salary bills en the working relationship between the municipal manager and the employees, as alleged by SAMWU.

Cllr Timothy Maanda of the DA also expressed his satisfaction with the appointment of Cllr Nkuzana as new mayor. Cllr Maanda thanked the mayor for pointing out that he will adhere to the principle of putting people first. He also expressed his gratitude towards Cllr Nkuzana for thanking the opposition parties for the active role they play in good governance. Cllr Maanda, however, also highlighted several areas of concern as mentioned above, and urged Cllr Nkuzana to address these issues as a matter of urgency.

Apart from Cllr Nkuzana's appointment as new mayor, Cllr Isia Mphaphuli was appointed new Chief Whip of the ANC in Council. This was done, following the removal of Cllr Moses Tseli as Chief Whip last week. No one has been appointed in place of Cllr Philemon Madaka, who also resigned from Council last week.