ANC Gauteng chairperson Panyaza Lesufi stated that Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda is not an ANC mayor but rather the mayor who defeated the DA.
Lesufi made this statement during his opening address at the ANC local government summit in Boksburg on Tuesday.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Forging Global Partnerships: South Africa Set To Host Historic BRICS Summit
The summit, spanning two days, aims to address the challenges faced by municipalities and develop a plan to enhance service delivery in Gauteng.
Lesufi informed summit attendees that the ANC voted to prevent the DA from taking power.
Gwamanda, an Al Jama-ah councillor, was elected with the support of the ANC, EFF, and some minority parties in the council.
Lesufi clarified that those claiming Gwamanda as the ANC mayor were misleading, emphasizing that anything opposing the DA on the ballot was supported by the ANC.
ActionSA has threatened to bring a motion of no confidence against Gwamanda due to allegations of fraud associated with his company iThemba Lama Afrika.
Mpho Phalatse from the DA brought up the allegations, asserting a connection between Gwamanda and fraudulent activities targeting the public.
Lesufi assured delegates that the ANC is prepared for ActionSA’s motion of no confidence and encouraged comrades in Johannesburg to allow the motion to proceed.
He expressed confidence in crushing any motion of no confidence against the ANC in Johannesburg.
Lesufi also clarified that the ANC did not vote for the former Tshwane Mayor, Murunwa Makwarela, who was later removed from office after the High Court confirmed the falsity of his insolvency clearance certificate.
Lesufi defended the ANC’s actions, stating that they voted against the DA and not in favor of Makwarela, highlighting Makwarela’s lack of honesty despite being a doctor and supposed reverend.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Ramaphosa: “There’s No Plot To Oust Mashatile”
Lesufi reassured delegates that the ANC’s mandate to remove the DA from all municipalities is progressing well.
He expressed that the party is in a better position since the 2021 municipal elections when it lost majorities in 11 municipalities, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni.
