Nelson Mandela Bay has a new mayor following chaotic council meeting lasting for several hours

The DA's Retief Odendaal was elected the new mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay following a chaotic council meeting yesterday, September 21, that lasted until the early hours of this morning.

Former mayor, Eugene Johnson, was voted out with 62 votes in favour of her removal and 58 against. It was then up to a secret vote which of the two nominated candidates, the ANC's Wandisile Jikeka or Odendaal, would be the next mayor. Odendaal was elected during the early morning hours today.

Odendaal is no stranger to residents of the metro since he first served as councillor in 2009 and leader of the DA Caucus between 2014 and 2016.

Between 2016 and 2018 he served as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Budget and Treasury.

The DA has congratulated Odendaal, an attorney, on his new position and said that they are united in their quest to ensure transparent governance, building the economy and the metro’s finances, creating jobs, delivering services and tackling the water crisis.

Click here to read more about the chaotic council meeting.

Source: DA media statement