Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
24 November 2023 | 10:45 CAT
2-min read

Margaret Arnolds of the African Independent Congress (AIC) has been elected as the new speaker for the City of Johannesburg. The appointment comes amidst a series of shifts in leadership positions, raising questions about the city’s trajectory.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) chose not to participate in the process to vote in the new speaker, expressing scepticism about the efficacy of the procedure. During the ASRI Report on Radio Islam International, Angelo Fick commented on the situation, noting that the governing coalition between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has consistently selected candidates from minority parties for key positions. This includes both the mayoral and speaker positions, each undergoing two changes in the past year.

Arnolds, in her new role, has pledged to enhance oversight of the city’s executive government. However, Fick, director of research at ASRI (Auwal Socioeconomic Research Institute) raised concerns about the efficacy of such oversight, particularly given the limited representation of smaller parties like the AIC in the city’s decision-making processes.
Moreover, Fick highlighted potential challenges arising from the frequent changes in leadership positions, creating an environment of plausible deniability for the larger parties in the governing coalition. This, he argued, could complicate accountability measures, making it harder for citizens to attribute maladministration to specific parties in the upcoming 2024 election.

Fick discussed the importance of voter education and engagement, particularly among the younger demographic. He urged civil society organisations and political parties to collaborate in encouraging voter registration and participation, ensuring that citizens take control of the democratic processes that shape their future.

Fick discussed the recent disciplinary actions against several members of the EFF for allegedly storming the stage during the opening of Parliament. The consequences, including salary deductions and suspensions, were deemed significant by Fick, particularly in an election year. He anticipated that these events would be leveraged by parties in their election campaigns to identify the EFF as incapable of playing by the rules. Fick emphasised the importance of citizens critically evaluating the narratives presented by politicians.

Shifting focus to the broader national landscape, Fick discussed the recent revelations about currency manipulation of the South African Rand by local and international banks. He emphasised the need for greater oversight and accountability in private economic activities that have public consequences. Fick called for a reimagining of the current governance model to address the imbalance of power between private entities and public scrutiny.

Listen to the ASRI Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.