ActionSA Joburg’s Abstention in the Election of the Speaker: A Stand for Integrity and Ethical Leadership
Press Statement by Elmari Atterbury
ActionSA CoJ Caucus Spokesperson
Today, ActionSA Joburg abstained from voting for the position of Speaker in the City of Johannesburg Council.
This decision was not taken lightly, but it was necessary to express our solidarity with former Speaker, Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu, who was removed from office due to her unwavering commitment to principles and ethical leadership.
Cllr Mthembu‘s dedication to serving the people of Johannesburg and her unshakeable integrity earned her the respect and admiration of many. With many Councillors from across the political spectrum commending her work, it’s clear that her removal from office was a result of the ANC-led coalition retaliating against ActionSA’s stance not to defend Mayor Dada Morero in a MONC against him – an unfortunate decision that deprived residents of a Speaker who held the Executive to account.
ActionSA believes that the office of the Speaker is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of Council and upholding the values of democracy and accountability. Unfortunately, the election of the new Speaker was marred by political horse-trading and self-interests, rather than a genuine desire to serve the people of Johannesburg.
By abstaining from the vote, ActionSA Joburg wants to send a strong message that we will not be party to the business-as-usual politics that prioritize party political interests at the expense of service delivery and residents. We believe that Cllr Mthembu‘s leadership style, characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability, is what the City of Johannesburg needs.
We implore the new Speaker to prioritize the interests of the people of Johannesburg and ensure that Council is run in a transparent and accountable manner that does not shield wrongdoing by public representatives. We will be watching closely and holding the Speaker accountable for their actions. 2
ActionSA remains committed to serving the residents of Johannesburg without fear of political ramifications and fighting for good governance and accountability in our city.
ActionSA Joburg’s Abstention in the Election of the Speaker: A Stand for Integrity and Ethical Leadership
Today, ActionSA Joburg abstained from voting for the position of Speaker in the City of Johannesburg Council.
This decision was not taken lightly, but it was necessary to express our solidarity with former Speaker, Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu, who was removed from office due to her unwavering commitment to principles and ethical leadership.
Cllr Mthembu‘s dedication to serving the people of Johannesburg and her unshakeable integrity earned her the respect and admiration of many. With many Councillors from across the political spectrum commending her work, it’s clear that her removal from office was a result of the ANC-led coalition retaliating against ActionSA’s stance not to defend Mayor Dada Morero in a MONC against him – an unfortunate decision that deprived residents of a Speaker who held the Executive to account.
ActionSA believes that the office of the Speaker is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of Council and upholding the values of democracy and accountability. Unfortunately, the election of the new Speaker was marred by political horse-trading and self-interests, rather than a genuine desire to serve the people of Johannesburg.
By abstaining from the vote, ActionSA Joburg wants to send a strong message that we will not be party to the business-as-usual politics that prioritize party political interests at the expense of service delivery and residents. We believe that Cllr Mthembu‘s leadership style, characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability, is what the City of Johannesburg needs.
We implore the new Speaker to prioritize the interests of the people of Johannesburg and ensure that Council is run in a transparent and accountable manner that does not shield wrongdoing by public representatives. We will be watching closely and holding the Speaker accountable for their actions. 2
ActionSA remains committed to serving the residents of Johannesburg without fear of political ramifications and fighting for good governance and accountability in our city.