Colleen Makhubele has emerged as the new speaker of the Johannesburg Municipal Council following a voting process that took almost the entire day yesterday.
Makhubele, with 141 votes, was elected speaker, defeating Alex Christians of the DA, with 129 votes.
The opposition bloc sang songs of jubilation as Makhubele’s name was announced as the new speaker.
Makhubele, who is a Congress of the People member, was nominated by the ANC for the position of speaker. It was clear that the opposition bloc in the city was behind her with only one name being presented from the opposing for the position of speaker.
In her acceptance speech she said she would work with all parties to advance development in the City of Joburg.
“My prayer is that I can live up to the legacy of Connie Bapela and restore the dignity and honour of this house,” Makhubele said.
She said she would work hard to ensure that the voice of the minority parties was heard in council. She paid tribute to all party leaders who were present in the chambers including the provincial leadership of the ANC.
Meanwhile, there were (some) from the multi-party coalition (who felt) that Makhubele’s ascendance to the position of speaker would pave a way for the ANC to come back into the seat of power in the municipal council pushing back the DA into the opposition benches.
Following her election into the new position Makhubele said she would serve the residents of the city with pride while ensuring that the work of the legislature carried on unhindered.
Makhubele and some minority members of the Multi Party Coalition had been complaining about rampant bullying from the DA. There were concerns that the DA had a mayor position and should therefore give other key positions in the party to other members of the coalition.
The Star understands that the PA which belongs to the coalition had also demanded two member of the mayoral committee positions from the DA and coalition partners.
The IFP had also wanted a speaker to emerge from their ranks but that plan did not materialise.
Among those present at the voting of the new speaker was Patriotic Alliance deputy president, Kenny Kunene, and ANC Gauteng provincial chairperson, Panyaza Lesufi.
The Star understands that the ANC was trying to come to some kind of working agreement with the EFF in various municipalities.