By: Natasha Archary
Dr Murunwa Makwarela, councillor from COPE, has been elected the Executive Mayor of Tshwane.
Makwarela who served as council speaker took 112 votes against the DA’s Cilliers Brink who received 101 votes.
The blow to the DA comes after the ANC-EFF coalition worked to favour Makwarela.
Phemelo Motene with Phemelo Motene spoke to Coalitions and Elections Expert, Wayne Sussman who gave a breakdown of the numbers and how political parties voted in order for Dr Murunwa Makwarela to come out victorious as Tshwane’s new Mayor.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION HERE:
Makwarela takes over from previous mayor Randall Williams from the DA who resigned in February.
JUST-IN: Dr Murunwa Makwarela from COPE elected as new Executive Mayor of @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/LPcoZO029W
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) February 28, 2023
While Dr Murunwa Makwarela is celebrating his victory, the DA condemns the underhanded dealings by which the ANC-EFF coalition of corruption and chaos recaptured control of the City.
“Parties in the Tshwane City Council today showed their true colours. The DA voted for Cilliers Brink to lead the Multi-Party Coalition in government.
This was a vote for service delivery to residents, clean governance, and fiscal prudence. Unfortunately, other political parties put self-interest, patronage, and political opportunism above the people of Tshwane.”
Meanwhile, ANC Gauteng Chairperson, Panyaza Lesufi says there was nothing unusual about how a councillor from a party with one seat became mayor.
Lesufi said the ANC welcomed minorities being given the chance to lead.
[BREAKING] COPE councillor, Dr Murunwa Makwarela has been elected as Executive Mayor for the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
— EFF Tshwane Region (@TshwaneEff) February 28, 2023
Murunwa Makwarela – 112 voted
Cilliers Brink (DA) – 101
No abstentions
The DA-led multiparty coalition has lost control. pic.twitter.com/4zsTnGqdo4
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