'No ousting of mayors here'

'It's important to observe separation of powers model.'

- Brian Sokutu

Newly-appointed City of Ekurhuleni council whip Pelisa Nkunjana is optimistic Ekurhuleni will not go the route of Tshwane, which recently saw the ousting of DA mayor Cilliers Brink and the collapse of the ActionSA-DA coalition.

She maintains a high display of political maturity by public representatives will prevail.

Elected unopposed during last month's extraordinary council meeting, Nkunjana assumed the role of council whip, following the appointment of Jongizizwe Dlabathi as finance MMC.

Nkunjana said it was important for councillors and the executive to observe the separation of powers model, despite representing the interests of their political parties. She is a political veteran who has served successive Ekurhuleni governments in various capacities,

"Office bearers are expected to maintain neutrality in council, considering the various arms of government-the executive, legislature and the council.

"All councillors should be empowered to understand the workings of the model.