After tedious negotiations between the ANC Joburg region and Al Jama-ah, Kabelo Gwamanda was appointed as the metro’s Community Safety MMC, shortly after his resignation earlier last week.
Having spent 25 days in office, in 2022, when his appointment was declared unlawful following a legal battlement, the ANC’s Dada Morero was elected and sworn-in as mayor for the second time at the Council Sitting on Friday.
Morero’s appointment followed calls for Gwamanda’s mayoral demise.
Replacing Lubabalo Magwentshu, Gwamanda expressed his preparedness to head the portfolio, where infrastructure development was imperative to stabilise the city.
“I am very privileged to be given a responsibility regardless of what it might be. We are here as councillors to serve our communities and to be afforded the opportunities to engage with communities in this department, where we deal with the establishment of libraries, maintenance of parks, among other critical things in this department,” said Gwamanda.
With a cemented allegiance with the EFF and ANC, leader of Al Jama-ah, Ganief Hendricks, tabled Gwamanda to be made deputy mayor or an MMC amid internal talks.
Thus, the former mayor maintained they have a good relationship as coalition partners, despite the mayoral changes.
“Al Jama-ah has had a relationship with the ANC for a long time. We were even presented with the opportunity to be at the helm, because we have a long-standing and trustworthy relationship with the ANC. There is no bad blood between us,” said Gwamanda.
Understanding that the metropolitan is governed by the Government of Local Unity, ActionSA joining forces with the ANC has enabled it to appoint a new speaker from their ranks.
Therefore, the African Independent Congress (AIC)’s Margaret Arnolds swiftly resigned as speaker after the council meeting.
Presiding the position for a good nine months, Arnolds said: “It has been an honour and privilege to serve the city in this capacity. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. Though I may be stepping down, my faith in the potential of this city and its leadership remains unwavering. I leave knowing Joburg is in good hands,” she said.
Arnolds was later deployed to the Group Finance portfolio as MMC.
The Star
hope.mafu@inl.co.za