Maphongo, Manyapetsa lose mayoral seats

Sebele Ward councillor, Austin Abraham is expected to ascend to mayorship today (Monday) at the commencement of the city’s Full Council meeting. Abraham got 17 votes to Maphongo’s 14 while Motamma Sesinyi received only one vote. Even though the opposition could file an opposing name, the BDP has more councillors to easily claim victory. Specially elected councillor, Manyapetsa lost his deputy mayoral chain to Oduetse Tautona. Tautona received 18 votes to Manyapetsa’s 14.

According to sources, the two fallen leaders' losses were attributed to their fallout. Early this year, media reports registered a fallout between the outgoing mayor and his deputy, who had not been working together for some time. The fallout reportedly started when Maphongo reported his deputy and two other councillors to the party for allegedly disrespecting him during a full council meeting.