New Joburg council speaker allays fears of council falling apart

November 20, 2023 110

Newly-elected City of Joburg Council Speaker, Margaret Arnolds, says her election speaks to the unity of the city’s coalition government.

She made the remarks after she was elected, unopposed, at an extra ordinary council sitting earlier on Monday.

Arnolds is a member of the little-known, African Independent Congress (AIC). She replaces former COPE councillor, Colleen Makhubele, who was fired last week for allegedly not following party protocol.

She was nominated by council members from smaller parties under the ANC coalition arrangement in the city.

Speaking on the revolving door of mayors and speakers, Arnolds dismissed speculation and fears of the council falling apart.

“The GLU is definitely a government of local unity. And that we are sticking together and there’s no reason to think that we are falling apart. We are very strong together.”

She was reacting to the DA’s call for the council to be dissolved, saying the party will not give legitimacy to a doomsday coalition.

The official opposition snubbed today’s extraordinary council sitting, slamming it as a waste of money.

“The DA notes with grave concern the extraordinary council sitting called by the city manager to elect a new council speaker at the expense of residents and ratepayers,” DA caucus leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, said.

The DA’s coalition partner in the City, ActionSA, is hopping mad over the party pulling a no-show.

ActionSA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, says the DA has, yet again, failed Joburg residents.

Joburg Mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda, has also criticised the DA, saying the party shouldn’t neglect performing its duties because it wants to table a motion for the City of Joburg council to be dissolved.

He described the party’s decision to snub today’s council sitting as unfortunate.

Written by: Nokwazi Qumbisa

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