The lack of basic service delivery including adequate water supply, electricity, and the deteriorating infrastructure are some of the reasons why civil organisations are calling for City Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda’s removal from the position.
The Joburg Crisis Alliance (JCA) consisting of six organisation held a media briefing at the Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg on Thursday - calling for the mayor to step down.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) Defend Our Democracy, Action for Accountability (A4A), Johannesburg Inner-City and Rivonia Circle are supporting the call.
Leading the briefing, the Kathrada Foundation’s Neeshan Balton said they have witnessed an ongoing regression in the quality of services being rendered by the City and its entities, much to the detriment of residents of Johannesburg.
“The leadership crisis in the city and the specific failures of the executive mayor are reflected in arrogant, uncaring and insensitive handling of the electricity surcharge.
“Intermittent water supplies since 2023 and prolonged water cuts, the virtual collapse of services in terms of road maintenance, cleanliness and the provision of affordable housing and the tragic assassination of a lead investigator into corruption in the city,” Balton said, listing some of the city’s woes.
According to JCA, Gwamanda and his Mayoral Committee must be held accountable for these and other critical lapses in service delivery to the public.
“We do not believe that Councillor Gwamanda and his team have the requisite skills and capability to resolve the deepening governance crisis in Johannesburg,” he said.
The JCA also demanded that the recent pre-paid electricity tariffs be reviewed, an end to unplanned water cuts, an end to unplanned electricity load reduction, and decisive and consistent measures in combating corruption and protecting whistle-blowers and investigators.
The groups further called for residents’ associations, clubs and societies, and faith-based organisations to join their march to demonstrate against the current deteriorating situation of the city.
The march is also demanding for immediate positive change to the city.
Meanwhile, ActionSA has also called for the removal of Gwamanda, citing his failures.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics