Ekhephini, 18 June 2026 – The Joe Gqabi District Municipality (JGDM) Council has elected Councillor (Cllr) Mfundo Bongela as the new Speaker of Council following a Special Council Meeting held earlier today (Thursday, 18 June 2026).
Cllr Bongela succeeds Cllr Mzukhona Bomela, following his resignation on 17 June 2026. Cllr Bomela served as Speaker with distinction, providing leadership to Council and championing public participation across the district. During his tenure, Cllr Bomela played a pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between Council and communities, ensuring that residents had a voice in local governance and municipal decision-making.
The municipality extends its sincere appreciation to Councillor Bomela for his dedicated service, commitment to democratic governance and significant contribution to advancing public participation within the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.
The newly elected Speaker, sworn in during the Special Council Meeting, brings a strong background in public participation and governance. He currently serves as a Public Representative (PR) Councillor in Senqu Local Municipality and was appointed as an Indirect Council Representative to Joe Gqabi District Municipality in May 2026. Cllr Bongela has served as a Public Participation Manager in Senqu Local Municipality and has extensive experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations and governance processes.
He has also held various political leadership roles, currently serving as the as Chairperson of the African National Congress in the Joe Gqabi Region. He has served on various community structures, including the Empilisweni Hospital Board and the Justice Forum.
His professional background includes qualifications in Public Management and Sports Management and Marketing, complemented by various leadership and communication development programmes.
In accepting the responsibility entrusted to him, Cllr Bongela committed to responding to the socio-economic challenges of the people of the district; “Seated here today, I know the issues of unemployment, inequality and poverty confronting our people. I come here today knowing the hardships of many villages across our district. My contribution together with the collective, will be to see to it that we respond with speed, communicate where there are hurdles so that our communities are kept informed with the information they deserve to have at their disposal.” He thanked the outgoing Speaker for his contribution.
Councillors who recently joined Council were allocated to Standing Committees to ensure all committee structures remain fully functional. The Executive Mayor, Cllr Nomvuyo Mposelwa appointed Cllr Bomela as the new Chairperson of the Technical and Water Services Standing Committee, following the position becoming vacant after the resignation of Cllr Ruth Lengs earlier this year.
The Executive Mayor congratulated Councillor Bongela on his election and expressed confidence in his ability to lead Council proceedings with integrity and fairness while advancing the municipality’s commitment to responsive and participatory local governance.
