COPE’s Colleen Makhubele elected as Speaker of Joburg Council

COPE one-seat councillor Colleen Makhubele has been elected Speaker of the Johannesburg Council following a special sitting on Wednesday.

Makhubele defeated the DA’s Alex Christians, who had also been nominated for the position. She received 141 of the 270 votes while Christians received 129.

Makhubele, who also serves as chair of chairs in the legislature, was nominated by the ANC and supported by the EFF.

Makhubele’s election comes after the ousting of DA Speaker Vasco Da Gama this month in a moyion of no confidence.

Addressing the media shortly after being elected, Makhubele said that she is humbled that the multi-party coalition in the council chose her as their new Speaker.

“I am truly humbled and grateful and thank these great leaders standing next to me. These are the minority parties that joined hands and said unless we win, it is not a win for the City of Johannesburg,” Makhubele