New Manzini City Mayor is Councillor Quinton Els
…whilst Councillor Sandile Nyaweni assumes the position of Deputy Mayor
The new Mayor for the City of Manzini is Ward 10 (Coates Valley) Councillor, Quinton Els. The Mayor is also referred to as the Chairperson of Council. Els takes over from Ward 8 (Madonsa, Thomasdale, Extension 6) Councillor Jabu Shiba who had served in the position for the last two years. The new Mayor was elected last week Tuesday during a Council inaugural meeting which was held at the Council Chamber. Also elected during the meeting was a new Deputy Chairperson of Council (also referred to as Deputy Mayor), Councillor Sandile Nyaweni who represents Ward 5 (Sikhunyana, Ntunja Township, Murray Camp and the area around William Pitcher College). Councillor Nyaweni took over from Councillor Mduduzi Vilane who represents Ward 2 (Trelawney Park, the Nazarene Mission and the area around Sobhuza Clinic). It is worth-mentioning that this special meeting takes place in the beginning of every year and is governed by Standing Order No. 13, 17 and 18 of the Municipal Council of Manzini Standing Orders, 2014.
Both Councillors are serving their first 5-year term in Council; having joined Council during the last local government election which was held in 2017. The Mayor chairs Council meetings and, in his absence, the Deputy Mayor holds fort. Councillors, under the leadership of the Mayor, are responsible for approving and making all necessary policies as advised by the Chief Executive Officer. The Mayor’s Office ensures good governance and that citizens’ concerns and aspirations are taken into consideration by the Municipality. In his remarks following his election, the Mayor took the opportunity to appreciate fellow Councillors for entrusting him with the task of leading the City of Manzini in the position of Mayor. He further appealed for their cooperation and assistance. He went on to submit that a person is never voted into a leadership position because of being smarter than others but is voted in anticipation of bringing a different perspective. The Mayor further challenged Council to work tirelessly towards ensuring that the city delivered its mandate as provided for in the Urban Government Act, 1969.
…COUNCILLOR WESLEY DLAMINI RETAINS FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIP
The Council inaugural meeting also saw the election of the Finance, Audit and Administration Committee. According to Section 20 of the Urban Government Act, 1969, the Finance Committee is responsible for regulating and controlling the finances of Council and it is elected annually; at the beginning of each financial year. Ward 6 (Woodmasters) Councillor Wesley Dlamini retained the position of Chairperson of the Committee; having served during the two previous years. Meanwhile, Ward 1 (Zakhele, Two Sticks and Old Zakhele) Councillor Sandile Bhembe assumed the position of Vice-Chairperson of the committee; having been nominated unopposed. Councillors for Wards 9 (Inyoni Park, Moneni, Peebles Block, Masekweni) and 7 (Sterkstroom, Mangwaneni and the area around Manzini Central School), Henry Kunene and Mxolisi Mabuza, respectively, were elected members of the committee.
…OVERALL ELECTION RESULTS
POSITION | NAME |
His Lordship the Mayor | Councillor Quinton Els |
Honourable Deputy Mayor | Councillor Sandile Nyaweni |
FINANCE, AUDIT & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE | |
Chairperson | Councillor Wesley Dlamini |
Vice Chairperson | Councillor Sandile Bhembe |
Member | Councillor Henry Kunene |
Member | Councillor Mxolisi Mabuza |
…COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD MONTHLY, CITIZENS WELCOME TO ATTEND
According to Section 15(1) of the Urban Government Act, 1969, “every Council shall hold an ordinary meeting for the transaction of business at least once in every month, or such greater period of time…”. The Municipal Council of Manzini, therefore, holds its Statutory Council Meeting on the last Thursday of every month, starting at 6pm. The meetings are held in the Council Chamber. Members of the public, whether or not they own property in the city, are permitted to attend and observe proceedings during such meetings. Section 15(4) of the Act reads: “Every meeting of the Council shall be open to the public and representatives of the press, but this subsection shall not apply to any committee of the Council or to the Council when in committee”. Members of the public are, therefore, encouraged to take note of the date of this important meeting and take time to come to the Council Chamber and observe their Councillors in action. No prior appointment or booking is required.