The Newcastle Municipality’s first sitting has been postponed to Monday next week.
The first sitting was meant to take place today following the results of the local government elections.
The municipality that the African National Congress (ANC) had previously governed is for the first time hanging after the ruling party failed to secure majority.
It has emerged that the sitting would have clashed with the Dannhauser Municipality that shares support staff with Newcastle.
The postponement allows more time for political parties that are still locked in negotiations over coalitions.
The ANC has 22 seats, followed by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) with 18 and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with eight.
The newly formed political party, Team Sugar South Africa, led by former EFF councillor Musa Thwala, is among the king makers in Newcastle after the party got seven seats.
The DA secured five seats, while ActionSA has three.
Newcastle is among the 22 hung municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal.
Community lashes out at ANC during campaigning
During an ANC campaign trail in Newcastle last month, community members vented their anger after the party allegedly removed the preferred candidate from the list.
A scuffle ensued where the community ended up chasing out ANC leaders.
ANC Deputy President David Mabuza faced tough questions as the area that has been without water for three weeks.
Other service delivery issues included roads, housing, and a high unemployment rate in the area. The community however remained adamant that they will be voting.
Fight breaks out with community members during Mabuza’s campaign trail in Osizweni, Newcastle:
#sabcnews #sabckzn A fight broke out between community members where ANC deputy President David Mabuza is on an election campaign trail. Police had to intervene in Osizweni, Newcastle. @JayedLeigh pic.twitter.com/dmO7TyUjSo
— Nonkululeko Hlophe (@Leko3) October 23, 2021
In the video below, Newcastle residents express their anticipation ahead of voting, saying they are ready to cast their ballots:
