Nobuhle Mthembu elected new City of Joburg council speaker
Wednesday’s vote follows the resignation of the former council Speaker Margaret Arnolds - who withdrew from the position after being appointed to the city’s mayoral committee.
Nobuhle Mthembu. Picture: ActionSA.org.za
JOHANNESBURG - ActionSA’s wish to play an oversight role in the City of Joburg has come to pass, as its caucus leader Nobuhle Mthembu has been elected council speaker.
Mthembu’s election to the seat was supported by the African National Congress (ANC)-Economic Freedom Fighters coalition block that saw 180 councillors voting for her rise to the office.
She won the race against the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Nonhlanhla Sifumba - who only received 68 votes in council this afternoon.
Wednesday’s vote follows the resignation of the former council Speaker Margaret Arnolds - who withdrew from the position after being appointed to the city’s mayoral committee.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba previously vowed to never work with the ANC in any sphere of government - emphasising he can’t hold hands with corrupt organisations.
But his newly formed relationship with the ANC has led to the election of an ActionSA candidate to the speaker position in the Joburg council.
Mashaba believes the time for political instability in Joburg is over, expressing confidence in ActionSA’s relationship with the ANC in the metro.
“The city has been unstable since 2019, when I was the mayor when the DA started the instability.”
ActionSA has now set its sights on the speaker position in the Tshwane council.
JUST IN: Action SA’s Nobuhle Mthembu has been elected as Joburg’s new Council speaker.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 21, 2024
Mthembu, who’s election was supported by the ANC, EFF and minority parties, received 180 votes.
She won against the DA’s Nonhlanhla Sifuba - who received 68 votes. @Alpha_Mero25 pic.twitter.com/smXRccTzHi
Fighting corruption and mismanagement of the city’s funds are top-of-mind for Mthembu.
Delivering her acceptance speech shortly after being sworn-in, she said she would use her legislative power to ensure the executive fulfils its service delivery commitments.
“It is due to the urgent need for action that my top priorities are as follows: [to] work with the executive to resolve the billing crisis, ensuring the city has the resources to provide public services.
“Work with the executives to place the rejuvenation of the inner city at the top of the agenda.”
In addition, Mthembu vowed to ensure strict enforcement of the city’s bylaws, particularly concerning illegal trading and dumping.