ActionSA has announced that it is engaging with former coalition partners to find solutions regarding the ongoing leadership crisis in the City of Joburg.
The situation worsened after Kabelo Gwamanda, a member of Al-Jama-Ah party, assumed the position of mayor in April, winning by a significant margin of 139 votes.
Gwamanda’s victory was attributed to the alliance between the ANC, EFF, and minority parties in the council.
However, shortly after his election the DA caucus demanded that Gwamanda address allegations of fraudulent activities.
The DA alleged that Gwamanda, through his entity called iThemba Lama Afrika, deceived residents by involving them in an investment scheme and funeral plan with no returns received by the investors.
Gwamanda was in Cape Town at the weekend resulting in Kenny Kunene, the MMC for transport, acting as mayor.
The lack of mayoral leadership has raised concerns about the city’s ability to navigate critical political challenges.
In response to the allegations against Gwamanda, Funzi Ngobeni, the Gauteng provincial chairperson of ActionSA, highlighted a need for political guidance.
Ngobeni expressed disappointment that Gwamanda has been unavailable to address the accusations or communicate with residents, indicating that the lack of transparency has resulted in a leadership vacuum in the city.
Ngobeni held the ANC and EFF in Gauteng responsible for the rising costs associated with their alliance, which has led to the imposition of mayors on residents of Johannesburg.
He emphasized that the city cannot afford to have a mayor accused of defrauding its residents while being influenced by other political parties.
Criticizing the current state of affairs, Ngobeni stated: “The ANC and EFF have a lot to account for in terms of the rising costs of their deal in Gauteng, which continues to force mayors onto Joburg residents lacking both a discernible constituency and vision, while also facing serious fraud allegations.
“Joburg cannot afford a mayor who is allegedly willing to defraud its residents under the influence of the ANC and EFF.”
To address the situation and protect the interests of Joburg residents, Ngobeni said ActionSA has initiated discussions with former coalition partners with the aim to find a way forward that ensures the city is shielded from “further abuse” by the ANC and EFF.
As discussions unfold between ActionSA and its coalition partners, the fate of the mayoral position and the future political landscape of Johannesburg hang in the balance.
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