Ekurhuleni's first council meeting, where a new mayor and speaker are expected to be elected, proceeded smoothly today, marked by joyous singing and dancing.
Hundreds of party supporters, in their respective colours, sang struggle songs at viewing areas outside the council chambers on Gauteng's East Rand.
As it stands, the ANC holds 109 seats, the DA 77 seats and the EFF 25.
In attendance was ANC outgoing Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gungubele, seated next to ANC provincial executive member Hope Papo and controversial Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton Mckenzie.
DA mayoral candidate Ghaleb Cachalia earlier told News24 that the party was hoping to form a coalition with smaller parties to govern the municipality.
There are 224 council seats in Ekurhuleni, meaning that 113 votes provide a majority to elect the local government.
"Neither one of us [the ANC or DA] can form a majority local government as it stands," said Cachalia.
Opposition parties the DA was appealing to during coalition talks included the African Independent Congress, which holds 4 seats, the IFP and FF Plus, which each hold 2 seats, and Cope, PAC, PA, ACDP and the Independent Ratepayers Association of Southern Africa, which all hold one seat each.
http://www.news24.com/Elections/News/singing-dancing-at-peaceful-ekurhuleni-council-meeting-20160823
