WATCH: Zandile Gumede elected eThekwini mayor

Gumede - who is the first female to chair the region - received 124 votes, while Mncwango received 87.

Elections got underway at the Durban City Hall this morning.

Meanwhile, newly-elected eThekwini speaker Lekgoa Mapena has assumed his duties by immediately calling on those in attendance into order - as they began singing in celebration of his victory.

He asked that the singing be reserved for when proceedings had concluded.

During his speech, Mapena said he was indebted to the ANC for voting him into the position.

He also says he is grateful to accept the baton from previous city speaker Logie Naidoo.

Mapena has called on elected councillors to ensure they are transparent in how they govern.

"[The new mayor's] term of office will be characterised by two objectives - namely the delivery of basic services in a more efficient and effective manner, and in preparation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. I'm sure that you will immerse yourself in vigorous discussions and exhaustive reviews of goals and objectives or advancing peoples power in every community which will underlie all the challenges that you might be facing and challenges towards all areas of focus and ensure that local government is in the hands of the people," he said.

Mapena added that it was imperative for elected officials to deliver on their promises they made to their voters during their election campaigns.

"We are going to work together and have moral courage to stand up for efficient service delivery," he said.

Mapena received 130 votes, while the only other nominated candidate - the DA’s Warren Burn - got 80. There were five spoilt votes.