THE inauguration of the new councillors in Greater Kokstad Municipality came with some surprises because the EFF now also has members in council.
The council meeting was attended by MEC of Human Settlements, Ravi Pillay, local and district IEC officials, ANC members, opposition parties, community members and GKM senior managers.
Senior magistrate Monwabisi Mda presided over the official inauguration of new councillors.
Before the start of the meeting there was a conflict between police and 20 EFF members, who were stopped by police from entering the meeting.
The SAPS said only five EFF members would be allowed in to accompany their two councillors, Dumisani Dlamini and Vuyani Ndyebo.
However, eventually police searched all EFF members and allowed them to enter the hall.
Before the election of the mayor and deputy mayor a point of order was raised by EFF councillor Dlamini, who objected to the presence of some councillors.
“There are people here who are not supposed to be here - we are sitting with thieves,” shouted Dlamini.
Mtolo was elected Greater Kokstad mayor and Karren Walker was elected deputy mayor.
Zolani Mhlongo was elected council speaker and called for discipline among councillors.
“I want discipline and respect in this house.
“If there is no discipline I am going to issue a warning to councillors who don’t behave.”
Pillay thanked opposition parties at the inauguration for behaving well, including during elections.
He said a workshop for the new councillors is to be arranged soon and called for new councillors to work for people.
More than 10 armed police stood guard at the meeting.
