New Makana Council speaker Mthuthuzeli Matymza straightens Yandiswa Vara's mayoral chain shortly after her election as Executive Mayor. Photo: Rod Amner
By ROD AMNER
The crowds were small, held in check by Covid-19 protocols, but new life was breathed into our local democracy as an unprecedented number of opposition candidates and independents (13 in all) faced off against the African National Congress’s (ANC) 14 councillors at the Makana Council inauguration on Tuesday 23 November.
Makana Citizens Front (MCF) councillors took to the floor for the first time to contest a point of procedure, and a young new mayor, Yandiswa Vara was sworn in, to ululations from the gallery.
Makhandans are in desperate need of new ideas and fresh legs as we tackle the myriad fiscal, technical and human challenges that still face the city. While a necessarily muted ceremony, the democracy on display on Tuesday did create a palpable surge of hope.
Here are some images from City Hall for those who couldn’t be there:
Numbers were controlled at the inauguration of the Makana Council to comply with Covid-19 protocols, but this did not dampen enthusiastic support from the gallery. Photo: Rod AmnerANC proportional representation councillor Mabuthi Matyumza (left) shortly before his election as the new Speaker of the Makana Council. To his right are Yandiswa Vara (who was elected Executive Mayor soon after this photo was taken), and ANC proportional representation councillor, Thandolwethu Vayo. Photo: Rod AmnerMakana Citizens Front (MCF) proportional representation councillor Jonathan Walton makes a point of procedure at the inauguration of the new Makana Council on Tuesday 23 November. Photo: Rod AmnerEastern Cape MEC for COGTA Xolile Nqatha congratulates the newly-inducted Makana Council at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday 23 November at City Hall. Photo: Rod Amner
Makana Citizens Front (MCF) proportional representation councillors Kungeka Mashiane and Jane Bradshaw at the inauguration of the new Makana Council on Tuesday 23 November. Photo: Rod Amner
Newly-elected Executive Mayor Yandiswa Vara in conversation during a recess at the Council inauguration ceremony on Tuesday 23 November at City Hall. On her left is Eastern Cape MEC for COGTA Xolile Nqatha and on her right is new Speaker Mabuthi Matyumza. Photo: Rod AmnerIndependent councillor for Ward 14 Vuyani Nesi (left) with the Economic Freedom Fighters’ two proportional representation councillors, Anelisa Bentele and Mzamo Booysen. Nesi was the ANC councillor for Ward 14 after a by-election was held last year. But, after the process of nominating a candidate for this year’s election, Nesi said the ANC kicked him out and brought someone else in. He said they did not follow “the right procedure for nominating a candidate” (which is through the Branch Executive Committee). This upset the Alicedale community, and they felt he should stand as an independent – and they powered him to victory. Photo: Rod AmnerDA proportional representation councillors at the inauguration of the new Makana Council on Tuesday 23 November. From left are Brian Jackson, Xolani Madyo and Luvuyo Sizani. Photo: Rod AmnerDemocratic Alliance (DA) Ward 4 councillor Geoff Embling (left) and Ward 8 councillor Cary Clark. Photo: Rod amnerMakana Citizens Front (MCF) proportional representation councillors Jonathan Walton and Philip Machanick at the inauguration. Photo: Rod AmnerANC ward councillors: Ward 1 Phumelele Peter, Ward 2 Ramie XonxaAfrican National Congress ward councillors: Ward 7 Lunga Masinda, Ward 9 Thozamile Yaka, Ward 10 Zodwa Cetu.African National Congress (ANC) ward councillors: Ward 11 Sakhiwe Zono, Ward 12 Mzobanzi Nkwentsha, Ward 13 Wandisile Matina. Photo: Rod AmnerAfrican National Congress (ANC) councillors: Ward 3 Andile Hoyi, Ward 5 Gcobise Mene and Ward 6 Vuyani Jezi.Makana Citizens Front (MCF) councillor Jane Bradshaw votes during the inauguration of the Makana Council on Tuesday 23 November. Photo: Rod AmnerDemocratic Alliance (DA) councillor Luvuyo Sizani casts his vote. Photo: Rod AmnerEconomic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor Mzamo Booysen casts his vote. Photo: Rod AmnerMakana Citizens Front (MCF) councillor Lungile Mxube casts his vote. Photo: Rod AmnerEastern Cape MEC for COGTA Xolile Nqatha congratulates the newly-inducted Makana Council at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday 23 November at City Hall. Photo: Rod Amner
