Joburg Council in Limbo as Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu Ousted

With the Speaker’s chair now empty, the city faces a political pause—and more questions than answers

The City of Johannesburg has lost one of its key political figures. Speaker of Council Nobuhle Mthembu has been officially removed from her post following a motion of no confidence that passed with a landslide 212 votes in favour and only 48 against.

The move, confirmed during a tense council sitting on Wednesday, leaves Joburg’s already fragile political landscape even more unstable. For now, the city is speakerless and a city without a speaker is a city on pause.

A Power Shift, Not Just a Personnel Change

Mthembu, a member of ActionSA, had held one of the most influential positions in Johannesburg’s metro politics. As Speaker, she was responsible for keeping order in the council and ensuring that decisions were taken in line with the law. Her removal signals more than just a leadership shakeup, it reflects the deep divisions within the city’s coalition politics.

Behind the scenes, Johannesburg’s political power struggle has been intensifying for months. This week’s events—Mthembu’s ousting alongside a failed attempt to remove Mayor Dada Morero—highlight just how fractured the council truly is.

What Happens Now?

With Mthembu gone, the City Manager will temporarily take the reins and preside over council meetings. A special sitting must now be called to elect a new Speaker, but given the messy alliances and political horse-trading that define Joburg council politics, it’s unlikely to be smooth sailing.

Residents can expect more delays in service delivery and council decisions while parties negotiate behind closed doors. And all of this comes at a time when Johannesburg faces urgent challenges: crumbling infrastructure, ongoing power outages, and public frustration boiling over.

How Did We Get Here?

Mthembu was appointed as part of a multi-party coalition that has been walking a political tightrope since the last local elections. But cracks began to show as coalition partners clashed over issues ranging from procurement reforms to service delivery priorities. Critics accused her of partisanship, while allies defended her as a steady hand in a volatile council.

Ultimately, her position became politically untenable. The overwhelming majority that voted her out suggests this wasn’t just about governance—it was about power. And in Joburg politics, power often changes hands quicker than the city can fix a water leak.

Social Media Reacts: “Another Day, Another Fallout”

On social media, Joburgers didn’t hold back.

“Another day, another fallout in the council. Can we get leaders who care more about the people than their party?” one user posted on X.

Another said:

“With all these removals and replacements, who’s actually running this city? Because it’s not looking like anyone is.”

Many users expressed frustration over the political infighting, especially when paired with day-to-day struggles like long power outages, potholes, and water cuts. The general mood? Tired, cynical, and craving stability.

The Bigger Picture: Is Anyone Steering the Ship?

While Mthembu’s removal may seem like standard political reshuffling, it’s part of a larger pattern. Johannesburg has seen multiple mayors, speakers, and MMCs rotate in and out of office in recent years. Coalitions rise and fall, motions get tabled and withdrawn, and council meetings turn into battlegrounds.

The result? Residents are left waiting—sometimes in the dark, sometimes in the cold, but always in the crossfire of political wrangling.

What Comes Next for Joburg?

The election of a new speaker could take days or even weeks, depending on how long coalition talks drag on. Whoever steps into the role will have to walk a delicate line: managing competing party interests, restoring order, and, most importantly, winning back public trust.

But for now, Johannesburg’s city council remains adrift, yet another reminder that while politicians play musical chairs, it’s the people of Joburg who are stuck waiting for real leadership.

{Source: The Citizen}

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