Margaret Arnolds re-elected as Joburg speaker, defeats DA's Alex Christians
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The outspoken, African Independent Congress (AIC) councillor, Margaret Arnolds, has been elected as Joburg Speaker again.
In a surprising turn of events, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has put forward Alex Christians as its candidate for the Speaker position, marking a notable shift in the party's political strategy.
DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, confirmed that this was a call from the party's top brass, Federal Executive (FedEx).
However, Christians could not match Arnolds.
Three parties, the ATM, Al-Jamah and UDM were unhappy with the ANC again fielding Arnolds. Al-Jamah has three seats, and the other two have two seats each.
All these parties have five seats in total, meaning they will have an impact on Arnolds election.
All the parties in the Government of Local Unity (GLU) are supporting the ANC's pick.
Arnolds got 137 votes beating Christians who got 68 votes. Yongama Zigebe from UDM received 5 votes.
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The election was run by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
Arnolds was elected to be a speaker in the city council chamber in Braamfontein, Johannesburg on Thursday.
Meanwhile, ANC regional secretary, Sasabona Manganye, expressed confidence before the voting process that Arnolds would become the speaker.
Last week, City Mayor Dada Morero survived a motion of no confidence while the former speaker, Nobuhle Mthembu was removed from the position.
Morero is on an international working trip and could not attend the sitting. He is the ninth mayor to be elected in the city since 2016.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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