ActionSA pushes for no-confidence motion against ex-mayor Kabelo Gwamanda

ActionSA pushes for no-confidence motion against ex-mayor Kabelo Gwamanda! ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has announced that his party will move forward with a motion of no confidence against Kabelo Gwamanda, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development and former mayor of Johannesburg.

Gwamanda, currently on special leave, faces fraud charges related to his alleged involvement in a scheme that left many Soweto residents without payouts from funeral and investment policies.

Fraud Allegations and Background

The fraud charges against Gwamanda relate to his role as director of Ithemba Lama Afrika, a company that offered funeral and investment policies between 2011 and 2014. The business allegedly failed to deliver promised payouts, leaving several clients from Soweto out of pocket.

Gwamanda’s recent arrest and the fraud allegations have led ActionSA and other political figures to call for his immediate removal from both the Mayoral Committee and his role as a councillor representing Al Jama-ah.

Following Gwamanda’s arrest, Mashaba expressed concern over his continued position within the Johannesburg City Council, emphasizing the need for accountability in the municipality’s leadership.

Urgency Behind the Motion

In an interview, Mashaba declared ActionSA’s intent to submit a no-confidence motion to the Council Speaker within the month. His goal is to expedite Gwamanda’s departure from office, stating, “He must go before Christmas. He did the crime, now so he must face justice now. There is no need to delay his stay as an MMC nor as a councillor.” Mashaba believes the motion will reveal which political parties are committed to transparency and anti-corruption efforts within Johannesburg’s Government of Local Unity (GLU).

“If the mayor does not fire him [Gwamanda], he will face this motion. The public will see on the day of the motion which party is willing to cover up corruption, and we will not tolerate it,” Mashaba added, suggesting that any party opposing the motion could be seen as complicit in protecting corrupt officials.

Calls for Accountability

Mashaba criticized Gwamanda’s continued receipt of city funds and protection services while on special leave, arguing that it is inappropriate for a person facing such allegations to benefit from taxpayer resources. He also condemned Gwamanda for his alleged actions that affected disadvantaged communities, saying, “How do you even justify that? He must go.” This criticism underscores ActionSA’s view that public officials must uphold the highest standards of integrity, particularly in positions of community leadership.

Internal Struggles Within the GLU Coalition

The recent no-confidence motion has brought internal tensions within Johannesburg’s Government of Local Unity (GLU) coalition to the forefront. Al Jama-ah, the political party to which Gwamanda belongs, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the coalition.

Thapelo Amad, Al Jama-ah’s Johannesburg chairperson, recently cited the importance of the party’s independence, claiming that the coalition may be subject to influence by “unknown masters.” This stance has led Al Jama-ah to withdraw from the GLU’s minority bloc, although the party has not officially exited the broader coalition.

The African National Congress (ANC), a key partner in the coalition, has expressed a desire to mend any rifts. ANC regional spokesperson Masilo Serekele clarified that Al Jama-ah remains part of the coalition, despite stepping away from the minority bloc, which had been formed to counterbalance the DA-led administration in 2021.

Serekele stated that the ANC would soon meet with Al Jama-ah to address their concerns and work toward a unified direction.

Succession Battles and Future Appointments

With Gwamanda’s potential departure looming, discussions around his successor have already begun, stirring conflict among coalition members. Al Jama-ah, which currently holds only three council seats, has twice received the mayorship role in Johannesburg under the ANC-led coalition. However, the party is reportedly seeking continued representation on the mayoral committee if Gwamanda is ousted.

Not all coalition partners support Al Jama-ah’s ambition for another position, with some in the minority bloc expressing frustration over the possibility of a third mayorship appointment. These disagreements highlight ongoing power struggles within the coalition as members vie for influence and representation in Johannesburg’s administration.

Mashaba’s Focus on Corruption-Free Leadership

Mashaba’s push for a no-confidence motion aligns with his broader political stance advocating for zero tolerance toward corruption. He has argued that Johannesburg’s leaders must prioritize accountability and the welfare of the city’s residents. The motion also offers ActionSA a chance to highlight the need for integrity in public office and challenges the city’s coalition members to confront the allegations against Gwamanda.

As Johannesburg’s council prepares for the no-confidence vote, the outcome could significantly affect the balance of power within the GLU. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact future coalition relations and whether Gwamanda’s departure will help restore public confidence in the city’s administration.

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