SIPHELELE NKETO
TSILENG Sobuthongo, the former mayor of the Ntabankulu Local Municipality, took an oath of office for the position of district executive mayor at the Alfred Nzo District Municipality on Tuesday, February 3.
She succeeded Nomasomi Mshuqwana who had been in the position since the resignation of former executive mayor, Vukile Mhlelembana, in December last year.
The election of Sobuthongo as the new executive mayor was carried out at the 11th municipal special council sitting in EmaXesibeni.
Originally from the rural village of Tlali in Ntabankulu, Sobuthongo was the speaker of Alfred Nzo District Municipality between 2016 and 2018, and mayor of Ntabankulu Local Municipality from 2018 to 2026.
She committed herself to service delivery, especially the provision of water. On the same day, the municipal council retained Nomasomi Mshuqwana in the position of deputy mayor. The council further announced new mayoral committee members and municipal council chief whip Makhosandile Mphetshwa to strengthen governance.
The committee members are: Kabelo Sephuhle (chairperson for Infrastructure, Planning and Municipal Services), Banele Qwayede (chairperson for Economic Development and Planning), Eunice Diko (chairperson for Community Development Services), Sobane Mnukwa (chairperson for Budget and Treasury), Nomvuyo Msokana (chairperson for Corporate Services), Nomasomi Mshuqwana (chairperson for Monitoring and Evaluation), Nophatheka Ndabeni (chairperson for Special Programmes Unit and Communications), and Mpumelelo Khuzwayo (chairperson for Sports, Arts, Culture, Heritage and Libraries).
The municipality further announced the three-month extension of contract for Sakhiwo Nelani as acting Chief Financial Officer. Nelani has been in the post since November 1.
Municipal spokesperson Luncedo Walaza said that Nelani’s appointment will run until May 4.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in the Eastern Cape expressed full confidence and support to Sobuthongo. The league’s provincial secretary Khosi Nongqayi wished Sobuthongo strength and wisdom in her new responsibilities as executive mayor.
