Margaret Arnolds
Margaret Arnolds is a prominent South African politician and the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance in the City of Johannesburg. She has been in the news for recently tabling a substantial budget of R89.4 billion for the 2025–26 financial year, which she described as 'fully funded, pro-poor and pro-growth'. Arnolds aims to address historical service backlogs in underserved areas, particularly those affected by apartheid spatial planning, while also focusing on financial sustainability and infrastructure-led growth. Her budget allocation reflects efforts to revitalize the inner city and improve service delivery in areas like Diepsloot and Orange Farm.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Margaret Arnolds decided to hold the last council sitting virtually but no reason was given for her decision.
Axed from party lists, Joburg councillors threaten to skip final council sitting
South Africa· 2026-09-28
Council speaker Margaret Arnolds announced the motion for the creation of a deputy mayor position.
New deputy mayor post set to cost Joburg over R1.28 mln annually – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2026-01-30
Margaret Arnolds is the Johannesburg council speaker to whom Kunene submitted his resignation letter.
DA defector Liam Jacobs replaces Patriotic Alliance’s Kenny Kunene in Johannesburg council – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-07-29
Speculation mounts that former finance MMC Margaret Arnolds may return as speaker.
Who benefits from the musical chairs in Joburg Council? – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-06-27
Speculation mounts that former finance MMC Margaret Arnolds may return as speaker.
Who benefits from the musical chairs in Joburg Council? – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-06-27The party may consider former speaker and MMC for finance Margaret Arnolds for the position.
Morero may be safe, but battle over Jozi council continues – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-06-27
Margaret Arnolds is the Johannesburg Finance MMC who tabled a budget of R89.4 billion for the 2025–26 financial year.
DA slams Joburg’s R89.4bn budget as politically motivated – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-05-28