Taking of an oath of office is not
a matter of fulfilling emotions but binding to the conscience and a promise to
uphold the Constitution of the Republic of SA.
These were the words of Komani
chief magistrate, Victor Nqumse, during the swearing in of Enoch Mgijima
Local Municipality’s newly elected councillors on Monday, November 22.
Preceding
the swearing in Nqumse said he had been doing this work for about 20 years in
EMLM and its predecessor Lukhanji, and therefore believed he was competent to
say a few words.
“I wish you well and I hope you are
a new crop that will make a difference. When I leave this place, I hope to say I have finally witnessed the difference in the way things are done by
councillors I swore in,” he said.
The 68-sit council elected its council
speaker, Noluthando Nqabisa and executive mayor Thembeka Bunu.
Nqumse said he hoped the council
would make a difference for the people of EMLM.
“You are now here to sweep the
dirt of yesterday. Even if you were part of that dirt, there is a chance to
change and contribute meaningfully,” he said.
DA councillor Zuko Mandile wore
his academic attire in what could be seen as a form of mocking ANC councillors
who did not make the cut due to lack of academic education.
Nqumse said it was
the first time he had seen a councillor wearing his academic attire for a
swearing in ceremony.
