Fraud-accused ex-Joburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda removed from MMC position! Kabelo Gwamanda, the former Mayor of Johannesburg, has been officially removed from his position as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development in Johannesburg.
This decision, announced by the office of current Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, marks a significant shift in the city’s leadership as the administration seeks to ensure effective service delivery for residents.
Gwamanda’s Dismissal as MMC
The announcement of Gwamanda’s removal was made on Saturday, with the city confirming that he was “relieved of all official duties” effective immediately.
According to a statement from Mayor Morero’s office, the move was made to “ensure that the city’s service delivery remains uninterrupted and continues to meet the needs of its residents.”
This decision aligns with the city’s commitment to prioritize smooth governance and to address issues affecting Johannesburg’s communities.
Gwamanda’s position as MMC for Community Development will now be filled by Councillor Tebogo Nkonkou from the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
Mayor Morero expressed confidence in Nkonkou’s abilities to handle the department, highlighting the city’s ongoing dedication to enhancing the lives of its residents.
“The executive mayor expressed confidence that Councillor Nkonkou will lead the department with dedication and commitment to further improve the lives of the city’s residents,” the statement noted.
A Tumultuous Tenure as Mayor of Johannesburg
Gwamanda’s tenure in Johannesburg’s leadership has been marked by controversy and public scrutiny. He served as mayor from May 2023 to August 2024, succeeding his fellow Al Jama-ah party member, Thapelo Amad.
However, Gwamanda’s time as mayor was cut short amid public dissatisfaction with the city’s condition and mounting pressure from both the ANC and Johannesburg residents.
This led to his resignation on August 13, 2024. Shortly afterward, Dada Morero assumed the role of Johannesburg’s mayor, tasked with addressing ongoing issues in South Africa’s largest city.
Allegations of Fraud and Arrest
Adding to the turbulence in his political career, Gwamanda recently faced allegations of fraud. Following his resignation as mayor, he was placed on special leave after being arrested on charges linked to a fraudulent funeral policy scheme he allegedly operated through his entity, iThemba Lama Afrika.
This business is accused of defrauding several Soweto residents between 2011 and 2012, with claims surfacing that Gwamanda’s company convinced clients to invest in policies that promised high returns but allegedly failed to deliver.
The allegations came to public attention after former Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse and her party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), gave Gwamanda a 48-hour ultimatum to address the accusations.
In response, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) initiated an investigation into iThemba Lama Afrika and Gwamanda’s business practices to verify the claims against him.
A Victim’s Perspective on the Funeral Policy Scam
Among Gwamanda’s alleged victims is Lefu Lebitsa, who claims he was defrauded of R21,000 in the funeral policy scheme. Speaking to The Citizen last month, Lebitsa explained that he was persuaded to make a one-time payment of R2,000, with Gwamanda and his partner promising a payout of R20,000 by the end of 2014.
However, according to Lebitsa, the promised return was never fulfilled, and his attempts to recover the money were unsuccessful. The allegations from Lebitsa and other victims have raised serious concerns over Gwamanda’s involvement in the fraudulent scheme and have led to increased scrutiny of his business dealings.
Impact on the City’s Governance
The removal of Gwamanda from the Johannesburg leadership team underscores the city’s focus on maintaining stability and ensuring the accountability of its officials. Mayor Morero’s administration is determined to restore trust and address the complex issues affecting Johannesburg’s communities, from infrastructure challenges to social services.
Replacing Gwamanda with Councillor Nkonkou, the administration aims to bring in new leadership capable of navigating the department’s responsibilities and making meaningful improvements.
Morero’s decision to replace Gwamanda reflects an approach focused on retaining officials who demonstrate a commitment to effective and transparent service. With Nkonkou stepping into the role, the city’s leadership hopes to foster progress, especially in areas where the city has faced criticism and pressure from residents.
Moving Forward: A New Chapter in Johannesburg’s Leadership
Gwamanda’s departure from the MMC role and the ongoing investigation into his alleged fraudulent activities signal a critical moment for Johannesburg’s governance.
As Councillor Nkonkou takes on the responsibility of overseeing community development, the administration has expressed optimism for future improvements. Gwamanda’s case, meanwhile, is a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in public service, and his legal proceedings will likely continue to attract public attention.
In the broader context of Johannesburg’s political landscape, Gwamanda’s dismissal serves as an example of the city’s willingness to act decisively in the face of controversy.
The city’s leadership appears intent on maintaining transparency and accountability while addressing residents’ needs, signaling a fresh start for Johannesburg as it moves beyond recent challenges and works toward stability and growth.
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