New Joburg council Speaker Arnolds calls for consistency, stability in metro’s political leadership

JOHANNESBURG - Newly elected Johannesburg council Speaker Margaret Arnolds is calling for consistency and stability in the metro’s political leadership.

Arnolds was elected for a second stint as speaker during a council meeting on Thursday.

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Backed by the African National Congress (ANC)-led coalition, she resoundingly beat challengers from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) to the position.

Arnolds is now the 5th Joburg council speaker since the 2021 local government elections.

The city has also had four different mayors during the same period.

With just over a year left until this current political term ends, Arnolds said it's important this political leadership stays intact.

“I think I have been brought back, voted back by councillors, because we want to see consistency. We are close to elections, and we want to see things move in a way.”

Arnolds has since resigned as the finance MMC, with Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero expected to announce the city's new purse handler when he returns from his international trip.