The Johannesburg City Council is set to elect a new speaker on Thursday following the removal of ActionSA’s Nobuhle Mthembu through a no-confidence vote last week. The motion, led by Al Jama-ah, accused Mthembu of incompetence and passed decisively with 212 votes in favor and 48 against, as announced by council chairperson Adold Marema.

Mthembu, who became speaker in August 2024 with support from the African National Congress (ANC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), lost ANC backing after ActionSA refused to support Mayor Dada Morero in a separate no-confidence vote. This has ended the ANC-ActionSA partnership in Johannesburg, though both parties will continue collaborating in other municipalities. Al Jama-ah’s Kabelo Gwamanda called Mthembu’s removal a step toward restoring council stability, while Mthembu defended her tenure, citing political differences as the cause.

The new speaker is expected to come from a minority party, as smaller parties push for greater representation, given the ANC’s control of the mayor and whip positions. Names like African Independent Congress councillor Margaret Arnolds, a former speaker, have surfaced as potential candidates. Johannesburg’s political instability is evident, with four speakers from different parties in three years; the incoming speaker will be the fifth. The role is crucial for overseeing council meetings and ensuring executive accountability amid ongoing service delivery challenges.

ActionSA, now excluded from the speaker race, plans to focus on its opposition role. The Democratic Alliance has confirmed it will nominate a candidate but has not disclosed details. The election comes as residents grow frustrated with political infighting, hoping new leadership will address Johannesburg’s pressing issues like water and power shortages.