Byline: Andani Matumba
21 May 2023
The Govan Mbeki State of the Municipal Address which was held on Friday, 19 May 2023 ended with mixed emotions after the Executive Mayor, Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma, reshuffled the Mayoral Committee.
Ahead of the coming winter days, ATM PR Councilor, Lwandile Ziwele has been appointed as the new MMC of Electricity and Energy mean while ANC Councilor, Aron Mbokazi has been appointed as the new MMC of Finance.
Eff councilor, Mavis Ntsibande remains MMC of Community Service, meanwhile Cllr Thandi Motsweni ihas been moved to Planning and Development, MMC of Corporate Service now being Cllr Doctor Mtshali and the Department of Civil Engineering is now going to be led by Councilor Thandiwe Nxconono.
Some councillors discouraged and criticised the appointment of ATM councillor in the electricity department, alleging that ahead of the cold winter days where loadshedding is prone to be the order of the day, the ruling party would like to hide behind the opposition and let them take full responsibility of the failures of the municipality.
However, the other portion of councillors supported his appointment and believe that he would be able to come up with a strategy to assist with the water and electricity crisis in Bethal and eMbalenhle.
The Mayor also announced the formation of a portfolio committee in the office of the Executive Mayor which would assist with the financial recovery plan for Eskom and Rand Water accounts.
“R 3.9 Billion is owed to Eskom and R 668 million is owed to Rand Water and these monies must be paid back to the respective creditors,” said Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma, emphasising that there is no excellence in accumulating debt.
