Gwamanda Says Threat Of removal ‘An Attack Against Black Child’

Under-fire Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has dismissed the increasing calls for his resignation.

These calls have been amplified by the Johannesburg Crisis Alliance, which comprises several civic organisations such as the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Defend Our Democracy, and the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse.

The alliance asserts that the metro has continued to deteriorate under Gwamanda’s leadership.

On Thursday, the Johannesburg Crisis Alliance added its voice to those urging Gwamanda to step down. The alliance claims that the current administration has failed to address the pressing issues facing the city.

Speculation is rife that the ANC’s Dada Morero is a potential candidate to replace Gwamanda as mayor.

Responding to the calls for his resignation, Kabelo Gwamanda described any motion of no confidence against him as “an attack against a black child.”

The Al Jama-ah councillor believes he is being unfairly blamed for the failures of previous administrations. Gwamanda stated, “What I can say about civil society is a call to send a warning to the black child to say, stay away from changing the narrative of black people. And that is what I am here to stand against, and that is why I am here to fight till the end.”

The political landscape in Johannesburg remains turbulent as civic organisations continue to voice their dissatisfaction with the current administration.

Whether Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda will be able to withstand these calls for his resignation remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the debate around his leadership is far from over.