Margaret Arnolds Returns as Joburg Speaker with Bold Reform Agenda

Margaret Arnolds Reclaims the Speaker’s Gavel; This Time with a Vision

In a decisive move signalling a reset in Johannesburg’s council dynamics, Margaret Arnolds has been elected Speaker of the City of Johannesburg for a second term. She was officially sworn in on Thursday, 3 July 2025, succeeding Nobuhle Mthembu and stepping down from her role as Finance MMC, in line with council rules that forbid dual positions.

Learning from the Past, Leading into the Future

Arnolds, a seasoned councillor from Eldorado Park, held the Speaker role between November 2023 and August 2024. Reflecting on that time, she acknowledged valuable lessons, particularly in finance and oversight, and said she’s determined to avoid repeating mistakes.
“This time, it’s different,” she said. “I might not make the same mistakes I made before.”

Her ambition now is clear: enforce discipline, restore decorum, and enhance council performance, targeting “not 100 percent, but maybe 99.9 percent.”

Punctuality, Professionalism, and Public Expectation

One of Arnolds’ first directives was simple but impactful: councillors must arrive 10 minutes before sessions and come fully prepared to engage.

This stance addresses the long-standing frustrations of residents who’ve witnessed chaotic, politicised meetings. In a city where timely service delivery matters, wasting time in chambers is no longer acceptable.

Image 1: BusinessLIVE

A Coalition Moment and a Personal Mandate

Backed by the ANC-led Government of Local Unity, Arnolds received 137 votes out of 249 ballots cast. Her main challengers, DA’s Alex Christians and UDM’s Yongama Zigebe, received 68 and 5 votes, respectively. A few spoiled ballots were also recorded.

She becomes Joburg’s fifth Speaker since the 2021 elections, a figure that reflects the turbulence of coalition politics. Her election followed a motion of no confidence that saw Mthembu removed earlier this year.

Joburg Watching: Will Reform Stick?

Social media sentiment is cautiously optimistic. Many Joburgers appreciate her transparency about past missteps and her reform talk but are hedging judgment until results show up in real action.

Her task now is to maintain consistency in a fickle, multi-party chamber, and that requires discipline, tact, resilience, and a unifying vision.

Why Local Residents Should Care

• A well-run council means faster decisions on essential services.

• Better decorum brings focus to real community issues, like roads, housing, and electricity.

• Council performance directly affects daily life across Joburg’s suburbs and townships.

Also read: Bracing for Impact: What the EU’s New Carbon Tax Could Mean for South Africa’s Exports

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Source: IOL

Featured Image: Jacaranda FM