During a special council sitting on Friday, the acting mayor, Molefi Morake, who allegedly signed a memorandum of understanding to have Mea suspended, backtracked on the decision.

He instead voted for Mea to be placed on leave, contrary to his agreement with Premier Sisi Ntombela, MEC for Cooperative Governance (Cogta), Thembeni Ngxangisa, and leaders of the Mangaung Shutdown protest.

He, however, along with other ANC members who did not support the Democratic Alliance's (DA) motion, lost by a huge margin - as 62 council member voted in favour of the motion to suspend Mea against 29 members.

Meanwhile, Morake also nominated the Metro's Economic and Development Head of the Department (HOD), Teboho Maine, to be the acting Municipal Manager (MM) whilst Mea is being investigated for his alleged misconduct and maladministration.

His proposal was seconded by the ANC Chief whip Zolile Mangcotywa.

The DA abstained on the election of Maine as the acting city manager.

OFM News