Opposition-led gov't formed in S. Africa's administrative capital

A multi-party government led by South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) was formed in the administrative capital of Pretoria on Friday, the first time since 1994 when apartheid was brought to an end.

DA's Solly Msimanga, who was elected as the Executive Mayor of Pretoria, said a new era has been ushered in for this metro.

"It was a journey to bring hope back to our capital city, by delivering better services to all our people, and creating the jobs our city needs to fight poverty," he said.

The city had been ruled by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) since 1994. But the ANC lost the city to the DA in the August 3 local government elections.

The ANC also lost the strategic Nelson Mandela Bay metro to the DA and failed to get 50 percent of the votes for economic powerhouse Johannesburg in the local government elections.

"This is not just any city, but our capital. We have a responsibility to ensure that we set the highest possible standard for the rest of the country. We must be a shining example for all our people across South Africa," said Msimanga.

"We will work to eliminate red tape and simplify regulations. The municipality must never an obstacle and the cause of delays when it comes to attracting investment and creating jobs," Msimanga pledged. Endit