"We are not a Mafikizolo party to be called a proxy executive mayor. We were long in the struggle [and] were part of liberating this country, so nobody will use us as a proxy mayor. We have rights, and Dr Makwarela our mayor is there not because of a favour," said COPE spokesperson Dennis Bloem.
Thapelo Amad, the new Johannesburg mayor, is the first of many who will take over the running of Gauteng municipalities in the coming months if a new deal between the ANC and the EFF holds.
Newly-elected City of Johannesburg mayor Thapelo Amad has promised to prioritise service delivery, fix potholes, stabilise the city's finances as well as rooting out corruption.