Al Jama-ah Johannesburg mayoral candidate Ashley Mama says the party is targeting 10 additional seats in the City of Johannesburg ahead of the November 4 local government elections.
Mama was speaking to Newsnote on the sidelines of the party’s manifesto launch in Orlando East, Soweto.
The party currently holds three seats in the metro, and Mama says he hopes to increase its representation.
“Al Jama-ah had three seats before the Ashley Mama effect entered. I’m on the ground aiming. I don’t know the potential of what we can have, but we’re aiming for 10 seats,” he said.
Mama added that he believes his involvement in the party’s campaign will help strengthen its performance.
He also expects the City of Johannesburg to continue relying on coalition governments after the elections.
“Anyone who tells you otherwise would be lying. Coalitions are here to stay for the next 30 years,” he said.
Mama said South Africa was still adjusting to coalition politics, adding that the parties that eventually govern would depend on how they negotiate and work together.
Al Jama-ah has previously held the mayoral office in Johannesburg through Thapelo Amad and Kabelo Gwamanda, both of whom served as mayors before the end of the previous council term in 2024.
Al Jama-ah previously held the mayoral office in Johannesburg through Thapelo Amad, who served from January to April 2023, and Kabelo Gwamanda, who was mayor from May 2023 until August 2024, when he resigned.
