21 July 2008

NEWLY elected Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor Lentheng Mekgwe has vowed to place her energies and skills at the disposal of the Ekurhuleni communities.

Mekgwe takes over from Duma Nkosi who led the metro for the last seven years and officially resigned as executive mayor of Ekurhuleni with effect from Tuesday, July 15.

The new mayor who was previously speaker of council had to resign from her position to be eligible for election as mayor. Mekgwe together with new Speaker Patricia Kumalo were elected into office recently, while Chief Whip Moses Maseko retained his position. The three office bearers took an oath before council to serve the people of Ekurhuleni with dedication.

“I stand to serve the community. I solemnly declare that I stand to be elected as a representative of my community, without the motives of material advantage or personal gain. I will place my energies and skills at the disposal of my community, and carry out the tasks given to me. I will work side by side with the whole community as we strive to build a better life for all South Africans,” stated mayor Mekgwe quoting from the African National Congress’ Code of Conduct for its councillors.

Mekgwe paid tribute to her predecessor saying he has laid a firm foundation on which the new leadership collective can build from.

“Our people have mandated us to continue with the journey of building a better life for all which began in 1994. We will continue with the five-year vision, which was outlined by my predecessor and leader of our movement and people Comrade Duma Nkosi,” said Mekgwe. “The work of council will be guided by the 2006 local government elections manifesto which is the basis of Ekurhuleni’s five year programme focusing on infrastructure development, social transformation, economic transformation and institutional transformation.”

In terms of the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998) if the executive mayor vacates office the mayoral committee appointed by that executive mayor automatically dissolves. This means that Mekgwe has to appoint a new team that will work with her to further the objectives of council.

When addressing a press briefing shortly after her inauguration, Mekgwe said: “If it was possible all the councillors within Ekurhuleni Metro would form part of my executive, but legislation stipulates that I can only appoint 10 people.” It is expected that the new team will be announced in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile Khumalo thanked the ANC and the council for “bestowing such an honour on me and I see this as a chance for me to play a major role in delivering a better life for all.”

Brief Profile
Lentheng Mekgwe became a councillor in 1995, serving as mayor of Nigel. She has served as a ward councillor in Duduza from 2000 to 2006 as well as Speaker of Ekurhuleni from 2001 to 2006. She was re-elected as the Speaker of Council in 2006 and also a proportional councillor from 2006 till recently.

She is an active member of the ANC Women’s League and member of the Regional Executive Committee of the ANC. Currently she serves in a number of structures: the Rules Committee, Public Participation and Petitions Committee, Gender Committee, is member of the Multiparty Women’s Caucus steering Committee, Chairperson of the Compliance Subcommittee (MFMA issues), and chairperson of council.

She sits on the SA Cities Network as a board member, also representing Ekurhuleni on the South African Local Government Association Gauteng Intergovernmental Forum (GIGF) as well as the Gauteng Premier’s Coordinating Forum. She also sits on the Speakers Forum.

Mekgwe holds a Local Government Diploma and Certificate, Adult Basic Education and Training Certificate, Huma Resources Management Diploma and a Councillor Development Programme Certificate. She is currently studying Public Manage