Following the resignation of Kabelo Gwamanda, the City of Johannesburg will welcome its eighth mayor in eight years. Although his party, Al Jama-ah, opposed his resignation, Gwamanda ultimately submitted it on Tuesday, August 13, and it would take effect on a date chosen by the speaker.
As reported by the Mail and Guardian, Dada Morero, the regional chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg, will succeed Gwamanda.
Morero, the ANC’s regional chairperson, who has long been earmarked for the role previously served as mayor in 2022, only for 25 days.
Ganief Hendricks, the leader of Al Jama-ah, has previously stated that Gwamanda will remain the city’s first citizen until at least December 25, 2024, despite the fact that his term is supposed to end in 2026.
During the interview, Gwamanda stated that whether he, his party, or another political party holds a different opinion, it is not the prevailing view in the absence of a collective decision.
Meanwhile, the ANC in Johannesburg will hold a media briefing on Tuesday to provide an update on the municipality’s governance reconfiguration.
The nine mayors since 2016: Parks Tau (2016), Herman Mashaba (2016/19), Geoff Makhubu (2020/21), Mpho Moerane (2021), Jolidee Matongo (2021), Mpho Phalatse (2021/22), Dada Morero (2022), Thapelo Amad (2023), Kabelo Gwamanda (2023/24).