Council business in the City of Ekurhuleni was brought to an abrupt halt last week following the resignation of Speaker Dora Mlambo, barely a month after resuming office.

Mlambo stepped down from her position as Speaker to take up a new role as Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Infrastructure and Development, a move that forms part of Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza’s finalisation of his mayoral committee.

Her resignation created an immediate vacancy in one of council’s most critical roles, making it procedurally impossible for council to continue with its scheduled sitting last week.

Without a Speaker to preside over proceedings, council business was suspended, highlighting the impact of leadership changes on governance processes.

Mlambo’s appointment was announced alongside two other MMC appointments as part of the mayor’s efforts to strengthen the executive.

The newly appointed MMCs include Nkgopotse Nsizwa Mekgwe, who will oversee Human Settlements, and Siyabonga Mathews Moloi, who takes on the Community Services portfolio.

These position are the ones EFF council and ActionSA was offered but rejected two ago, when the mayor reshuffled his his executive.

In a statement, Xhakaza said the appointments followed extensive consultation and were aimed at reinforcing the City’s governance capacity.

He emphasised that filling all MMC positions would enable accelerated service delivery, strengthen oversight, and enhance accountability to residents.

“These appointments reflect a considered and inclusive process designed to consolidate collective leadership, promote institutional stability, and ensure the effective execution of the City’s developmental mandate,” said Xhakaza.

He added that the appointments would further strengthen the Ekurhuleni Government of Local Unity (EGLU), which is anchored on the principle of broad inclusivity among political organisations represented in council.

The mayor also expressed confidence in the newly appointed MMCs and called on them to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and commitment to residents.

Meanwhile, council is expected to prioritise the election of a new Speaker to ensure the continuity of council business and restore stability in its legislative processes.

Until then, key decisions and deliberations remain on hold, underscoring the importance of the Speaker’s role in maintaining the functioning of council.