Thulani Mkhonto has been re-elected Mayor of Mbabane Municipal Council after securing a commanding seven votes.
The mayoral elections were held yesterday at the Council Chambers in the presence of representatives from the ministry of housing and urban development.
Mkhonto remained composed as Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze announced that he, alongside Ward 7 Councillor Ayandza Mcebo Sigudla and Ward 12 Councillor Simangaliso Gama, had been nominated for the mayoral position.
Fakudze explained the voting process, noting that each councillor would cast one vote.
Gama received two votes, while Sigudla secured three.
Announcing the results, Fakudze confirmed that, by virtue of the votes, Ward 5 Councillor Mkhonto had been duly elected as mayor and chairperson of council. The announcement was met with a resounding round of applause from councillors present.
Following the announcement, Mkhonto immediately assumed his seat. He will be deputised by Vusi Tembe, who also emerged victorious with seven votes.
The mayoral elections were followed by the election of the finance committee chairperson, where Percy Rocher emerged as the winner. His deputy is Mbutfo Nhlengetfwa, with Thandayena Mkhonta and Velisiwe Manana serving as committee members.
In his remarks after being re-elected, Mkhonto expressed gratitude to his colleagues, saying he was at a loss for words to thank the team he works with.
He noted that while a leader often receives recognition, it is the collective effort of the team that drives success.
He said he takes pride in the Mbabane team, adding that although there may be differences in opinion, unity ultimately prevails.
He highlighted that much had been achieved through teamwork and urged councillors to adhere strictly to standing orders.
Mkhonto also thanked the minister of housing and urban development for continued support, as well as the chief executive officer for her dedication. He pointed to visible progress in the city, noting significant improvements in development.
“Our city is now greener and the smart city initiative is also moving forward,” he said.
He further acknowledged councillors for their contributions to the Urban Development Plan (UDP), expressing hope that by the end of their term, key achievements, such as the allocation of plots to residents would be realised.
He noted that, for many years, some residents had lived in dilapidated structures due to a building ban that was in place for nearly 32 years.
Affected areas include informal settlements such as Malagwane, Mvakwelitje, Mangwaneni, Makholokholo, Fontein and others.
