Large crowds descended on the Grahamstown City Hall yesterday to hear who would be their next mayor.
A large crowd of ANC members sang the praises of the newly elected Makana Executive Mayor, Zamuxolo Peter at the City Hall entrance, even before the declaration was made, in a bid to set a celebratory and united tone for the event.
Large crowds descended on the Grahamstown City Hall yesterday to hear who would be their next mayor.
A large crowd of ANC members sang the praises of the newly elected Makana Executive Mayor, Zamuxolo Peter at the City Hall entrance, even before the declaration was made, in a bid to set a celebratory and united tone for the event.
However, just across the road, other members of the party kept their distance from the event expected to see Peter crowned as mayor. They were assumed to be those supporting Paul Notyawa for mayor, who had picketed outside the city hall on Tuesday, demanding that the ruling party restart the selection process.
While everything went peacefully, the large police presence in anticipation of possible disruption came into good use, as they helped the municipality's security team manage the stampede. At least 10 people at a time tried to squeeze through the main front door.
Once they were in, they had to wait in a small space, like packed sardines, before entering through a security gate, one at a time. Proving that the municipality underestimated how many members of the public would attend, the gallery in the hall was packed to the limit, leaving some people seated on the floor and others resorting to standing along the walls.
After some routine business, the meeting became more exciting when it was time to declare the next executive mayor. Since two names had been nominated – Peter and DA Councillor Les Reynolds – a vote was taken. Twenty votes went to Peter and seven to Reynolds.
One councillor abstained, because Makana Independent New Deal had not decided who would take the proportional representative seat in council. Once Peter was declared the next mayor, loud cheers rang through the hall.
Peters took a proud walk to the front, before receiving countless affectionate hugs from the likes of local businessman Pierre Ranchhod – the new Finance and Corporate Services portfolio committee chairperson, members of the ANC leadership and even Reynolds. Peter shared the limelight with his wife, asking her to stand next to him and saying she would be his strength in the next five years.
He then launched into the song, Umshini Wami, controversially brought into the spotlight by President Jacob Zuma. Peter took the opportunity to congratulate his comrades, address former executive mayors Phumelelo Kate and Vumile Lwana – apparently in their absence – as well as taking a swipe at Reynolds for receiving only seven votes.
