Johannesburg Council Speaker, Margaret Arnolds, has dismissed growing speculation that the city’s fragile multiparty coalition is on the brink of collapse, insisting the alliance remains intact despite recent tensions among its partners.
“There is no coalition that has or is collapsing,” Arnolds, an African Independent Congress (AIC) councillor, told on Wednesday.
Her comments come in the wake of allegations that several coalition partners abruptly left the WhatsApp group used by coalition members for coordination and communication.
Arnolds described the situation as an “internal matter” that was receiving urgent attention from all parties involved.
“This is an internal matter that is currently receiving the utmost priority and attention from all coalition partners. It would be premature and irresponsible to comment further at this stage, as discussions and deliberations are still ongoing,” she told .
She also condemned leaks to the media about the coalition’s internal processes, saying such actions were “deeply regrettable” and seemingly designed to sow division.
“Any leaks relating to these internal processes appear intended to create instability within the government. We remain focused on maintaining unity and working constructively toward a resolution,” Arnolds added.
The Johannesburg multiparty coalition has long been characterised by reports infighting, power struggles, and shifting loyalties among the coalition partners.
Recent reports of a digital fallout on the coalition’s WhatsApp group signalled mounting frustration among smaller parties, some accusing their larger partners of unilateral decision-making and lack of transparency.
Political analysts say the Speaker’s assurance is meant to steady the ship and project confidence, but the episode reveals the fragile nature of Johannesburg’s coalition politics.
“Once communication breaks down, even symbolic gestures like leaving a WhatsApp group can expose deep mistrust,” said one analyst.
“The Speaker may hold the line for now, but the cracks are evident.”
Arnolds said no further comment would be made until coalition partners have met and agreed on the next steps.
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