While the position of Joburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda is hanging by a thread, the ANC in Gauteng has confirmed that a new mayor would assume office by the end of the week.
In the past weeks, civic organisations and political parties have demanded that Gwamanda step down from office, alleging that the metro had been embroiled in corruption, poor service delivery and the recent R200 electricity surcharge, which affects the indigent, during his reign.
According to media reports, ANC Gauteng secretary-general Thembinkosi Nciza affirmed that a new mayor was expected to assume office.
“Investors must have confidence in us, businesses must have confidence in us. We need to make employment. Who is the best person to lead that cohort in making sure we turn Johannesburg around and, now that we all agree, we will be able to do so by the end of next week,” said Nciza.
Just weeks ago, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba expressed his unhappiness with Gwamanda, resulting in an ANC and ActionSA coalition, spawning rumours that Finance MMC Dada Morero would replace the mayor.
However, Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks stated that Gwamanda was here to stay, and only the provincial premier Panyaza Lesufi’s prerogative would remove the mayor.
An ANC, Al Jama-ah and EFF alliance had installed Gwamanda as the metro’s mayor.
Eyewitness News further reported that Nciza had applauded the mayor for spearheading the city for the past year, but it was time for new leadership.
“This is not about Kabelo Gwamanda but it’s about Al Jama-ah and the respect we have for them historically, and how they have always worked with us. Now is the time we put this person (in place) who will take us forward so that we stabilise Johannesburg and we are there,” said Nciza.
In the same light, the city’s MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services, Loyiso Masuku, welcomed a report detailing alleged financial misconduct by municipal officials.
The report was approved by the city’s council members, revealing insidious financial irregularities which would infringe the city’s purse.
The report tabled some key accounting irregularities, namely tax evasion, fraud and embezzlement, including the irregular awarding of security contracts, resulting in wasteful expenditure.
Masuku noted that the report was a testament of a well-oiled Government of Local Unity (GLU) that was committed to unravel corruption and the unscrupulous conduct of officials in the metro. She added that those mired in corruption would be charged.
“As the GLU, we have consistently stated our commitment to good governance and accountability. Our commitment has been evidenced by the positive audit outcomes of the city, and the reports presented to council are a step further in ensuring that there is consequence management within the city against those that defraud or act corruptly in executing their responsibilities in the city,” said Masuku.
She said the broad coalition in local government was dedicated to building a city that was free of corruption and was devoted to serving its residents.
“As the GLU, we will remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of governance and ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly.
“The city we are building is a city that is entirely focused on serving residents and totally intolerant of corruption and malfeasance,” said Masuku.
The Joburg Municipality disciplinary board will conduct thorough investigations in terms of sections 171 and 172 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
The Star