Mayor Change Looms: Gwamanda’s Fate Hangs on Vote of No Confidence, New Mayor Possible Next Week

Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda faces a motion of no confidence next week as his tenure encounters scrutiny and challenges.

news24 reports that Gwamanda assumed the mayoral position in April, following the resignation of his colleague Thapelo Amad from Al Jama-ah, who stepped down a day before a motion of no confidence against him. This change in leadership was swift, with Amad’s short service since January.

ActionSA initiated the motion of no confidence against Gwamanda. The party cited criminal allegations against him related to an alleged Ponzi scheme that targeted Soweto residents through his Ithemba Lama Afrika funeral business. Gwamanda faces accusations of posing as a financial service provider, which has drawn severe legal attention.

The Council’s consideration of the motion this Tuesday signals the seriousness of the matter. The activity will be heard in the upcoming week, from Tuesday to Thursday.

Also read: Joburg Mayor Gwamanda Expresses Shock at Hardships Faced by Residents During Visit to Diepkloof Hostel

ActionSA Joburg caucus leader Nobuhle Mthembu, who submitted the motion, expressed concerns about Gwamanda’s leadership amidst the allegations. She stated, “The executive mayor has corruption charges against him. He was running a funeral scheme without being registered. We don’t believe he is an ethical leader.”

On the other hand, Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks defended Gwamanda’s record, asserting that the mayor has performed well in his role. Hendricks downplayed the accusations, pointing out that the alleged Ponzi scheme occurred over a decade ago and involved stokvels, which were permissible then.

The impending vote of no confidence requires the Multi-Party Charter, formerly the Moonshot Pact, to secure a majority vote for Gwamanda’s removal. However, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) has clarified that it has not joined the charter, dispelling rumours of recent meetings with its leaders.

The PA underlined its independence, noting that the party has neither actively pursued inclusion in the Moonshot Pact nor received an invitation to join. This political tussle underscores the challenges facing Gwamanda’s leadership and the complex dynamics within Johannesburg’s political landscape.

Also read:

Mayor Gwamanda Pledges Ongoing City Efforts in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Picture: X / KabeloGwamanda

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