His election as the acting Executive Mayor of the embattled metro comes after a High Court judge interdicted the African Alliance of Social Democrats' (AASD) President, Papi Mokoena, from executing his duties as the mayor. This after he was elected unopposed by the council recently.

ALSO READ – Breaking News: Opposition leader elected as Mangaung mayor

The ANC fired the ANC's deputy mayor, Mapaseka Nkoane Mothibi, and seven other councillors for voting with opposition parties. Nkoane Mothibi was fired from her ruling party ANC as a proportional councillor (PR) by the ANC Mangaung Regional Committee.

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The former embattled mayor Mxolisi Siyonzana resigned following his redeployment by the ANC Free State Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), which created the mayoral vacancy. Siyonzana's resignation was followed by the resignation of former speaker Stefani Lockman Naidoo after the PEC also asked her to step down.

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Meanwhile, the ANC's Nikelo Vumile retained his seat as council whip of the troubled Metro.

The ANC's Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) says it welcomes the outcomes of the council meeting of the municipality which sat on Tuesday 25 April 2023 in Bloemfontein.

The ANC PEC's spokesperson,  Jabu Mbalula, says Nikelo's ousting as Chief Whip by the council was flawed.

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"We are therefore happy that Comrade Nikelo has been correctly retained in his position, as is the preference of the ANC and the people of Mangaung. The ANC has further welcomed the decision of the council to give concurrence to the proposal of the national department of Cogta for Ms Ngaka Dumalisile to serve as the Acting City Manager.

These developments must be welcomed and embraced by the residents of Mangaung as they will certainly enhance the capacity of the metro to deliver the much-needed, quality services to the residents," Mbalula added.

OFM News