Johannesburg – Margret Arnolds has been re-elected as Speaker of the Johannesburg Council, replacing Nobuhle Mthembu, who was recently ousted in a no-confidence vote.
Arnolds, from the African Independent Congress (AIC), secured 137 votes, beating Alex Christians (DA) and Yongama Zigebe (UDM).
She previously held the Speaker role in 2023 and was serving as MMC for Finance before this latest appointment. Her party is part of the ANC-led Government of Local Unity.
[JUST IN] AIC councillor, Margaret Arnolds has been voted in as the new speaker of the Johannesburg Council.
Results:
Arnolds – 137
Alex Christians (DA) – 68
Yongama Zigebe (UDM) – 5Arnolds becomes the city’s 5th speaker since the 2021 local government elections. TCG pic.twitter.com/tvp2JaqtA3
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 3, 2025
The election occurred without the city’s mayor, Dada Morero, who is currently abroad.
The session drew criticism from councillors concerned about ongoing water shortages affecting residents.
ANC councillors urged the council to prioritise the crisis, including deploying idle water tankers.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
