DA's Herman Mashaba elected new Joburg mayor

The Democratic Alliance's Herman Mashaba has been elected the new Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, marking the end of the reign of the African National Congress in the country's economic hub.

The Black Like Me founder defeated the incumbent leader Parks Tau by 144 votes to 125‚ after the inaugural session that took place for nearly 11 hours following the August 3 election.

Long before the official announcement‚ members of the Democratic Alliance lifted him like boxing champion and began to singing "thupa e etla" loosely translated "can you feel the whip".

Mashaba then walked around the hall thanking those who supported him‚ including members of the Economic Freedom Fighters.

DA's Herman Mashaba thanks two EFF members for their support.  Image: Penwell Dlamini

Finally‚ he arrived just two metres from the people's Bae‚ Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. Shockingly‚ Ndlozi first tried to duck and avoid shaking his hand‚ but the the throng of journalists who were taking pictures of the moment were there to capture the rare moment‚ which seemingly prompted a rethink.

Ndlozi stood up‚ shared his trademark smile‚ shook hands‚ and congratulated him. He then sat down quietly.

While the EFF and DA members celebrated the win‚ ANC members sat in disbelief as they suffered yet another defeat in the hands of the country's biggest opposition party.

What made matters worse‚ was that the ANC not only lost power over the city‚ but also their councillor Nonhlanhla Mthembu‚ who collapsed during council and died despite medical staff trying to save her life.

By the time the results were announced‚ former mayor Parks Tau had seen it coming‚ and left to offer support to Mthembu's family.

The DA also won the position of Chief Whip with Kevin Wax getting 146 of the votes while ANC nominee Solomon Mogase got 123 votes.

With Vasco da Gama having been elected Speaker of Council earlier in the day, this will mean the DA hold the three top positions in council.

- TMGDigital