ActionSA’s Nobuhle Mthembu has been elected as the new Speaker of the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Council at the Constance Conny Bapela Council Chamber. This election follows the immediate resignation of former Councillor Margaret Arnolds, who departed from her role on August 16 to serve as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance.
Mthembu’s election was solidified through significant support from the newly-formed coalition led by the African National Congress (ANC), which recently brought Dada Morero into the mayoral position. In a decisive vote, Mthembu garnered 180 votes from council members, outperforming the Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate, Nonhlanhla Sifumba, who received only 68 votes.
Read more: Local ward councillors weigh in on City of Johannesburgs latest mayor
Cllr. Margaret Arnolds has resigned as Speaker of Council in the @CityofJoburgZA with immediate effect! pic.twitter.com/nuG8l8dLkF
— Joburg MMC For Finance (@JoziFinanceMMC) August 16, 2024
“The urgent work of stabilising the City of Johannesburg and restoring good governance and effective service delivery in the province now begins!” said ActionSA following Mthembu’s victory. “Councillor Mthembu brings much-needed experience to this position that we will use to hold the City of Johannesburg administration to account.”
Mthembu’s ascendancy marks a milestone for ActionSA as she becomes the first member of the party to occupy the Speaker position. The support from the ANC and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) coalition block played a crucial role in her election, reflecting a strategic alliance that ultimately facilitated her rise to office.
Also read: Dada Morero elected as Joburg mayor
The decision to elect Mthembu as Speaker comes at a time when ActionSA is keen to enhance its oversight role within the Johannesburg council. Mthembu’s election follows party leader Herman Mashaba’s earlier stance against collaborating with the ANC, whom he labelled a “corrupt organisation.” Nonetheless, the new coalition dynamics have led to ActionSA’s successful installation in a significant leadership position.
Mthembu’s victory is seen as a critical step towards reshaping Johannesburg’s governance landscape, with promises of improved accountability and service delivery to residents.
The public took to social media to send through their congratulatory messages to Mthembu.
That’s the greatest news for #WomensMonth
Let’s ACT Together for SA #Action4SA— BhutiSva! (@SiviweG_) August 21, 2024
Love it! ❤️🇿🇦
— Cici Banks (@itgurlcici) August 21, 2024
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