Political parties represented in the City of Johannesburg council are looking to replace speaker Nobuhle Mthembu after she was ousted this week.

ActionSA’s caucus leader Lebo Modukanene said the party was fully aware that its refusal to defend Mayor Dada Morero would likely prompt the ANC to retaliate, voting alongside the DA, to remove Mthembu.

“We made it clear that if taking a principled stance came at a political cost, then so be it. ActionSA does not make decisions based on threats or favours – we act on merit, principle, and in the best interests of Johannesburg’s residents,” she said.

Modukanene added that since joining the ANC-led Government of Local Unity in July last year, ActionSA has maintained an approach based on specific issues.

“We have never given the ANC a blank cheque. Our support must be earned, not assumed. This position was once again demonstrated yesterday (Wednesday). We could not, in good conscience, defend the ANC’s Mayor Morero, whose leadership has failed Johannesburg,” she explained.

According to Modukanene, ActionSA supported the ANC’s chief whip, Sithembiso Zungu, whose work in promoting discipline and functionality in the council has been commendable.

“Speaker Mthembu served with exceptional integrity and fairness, and her deep commitment to public engagement set a standard for leadership in this city. Her removal has nothing to do with performance – it is a symptom of the political decay that continues to undermine governance in Johannesburg,” she added.

ActionSA is consulting internally and its leadership will continue engaging the ANC on this and other matters of common interest.

“We will communicate our final position once those consultations have been concluded,” said Modukanene.

Former mayor and Al Jama-ah councillor Thapelo Amad said the council has between seven to 14 days to fill the speaker position.

He said Morero, during his State of the City Address, expressed his interest in reshuffling his mayoral committee.

“Therefore, parties in the coalition will have to get to the table to discuss possibilities.

“As Al Jama-ah, we are still open for discussions, not limited to the vacancy of the speaker’s office. Therefore, we will engage with coalition partners in the City of Johannesburg,” he said.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za

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