New captain, same crew: Newly elected Joburg mayor retains MMCs

The new Johannesburg mayor announced his 10-member committee during his acceptance speech in the Constance Bapela Council Chambers after he was elected during the extraordinary council sitting on Friday. 

The African National Congress’ (ANC) Dada Morero returns as Finance MMC, while the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) Kenny Kunene remains Transport MMC. 

Gwamanda’s committee consists of members of the ANC (4), two from the PA (2), the Economic Freedom Fighters (3), and the African Transformation Movement (1).

The mayor himself is from the same party as his predecessor Al Jama-Ah. 

DA FEARS GWAMANDA IS ANOTHER ‘PUPPET MAYOR’ 

The Democratic Alliance’s Gauteng chairperson Fred Nel has described Mayor Gwamanda’s speech as unispiring; however, Nel congratulated him for announcing his mayoral committee in record time.

“It wasn’t a very inspiring speech. I would have expected a little bit more from him. Although I must congratulate him that he was able to announce his mayoral committee. You don’t see that very often.” 

Nel said they fear Gwamanda will be “another puppet mayor” like his party mate, Thapelo Amad. 

“Our fear is that he’s going to be another puppet mayor and it’s going to go exactly the same route as Thapelo Amad and in three- or four months' time we may see another resignation and we might be here in exactly the same position.” 

Action SA’S Funzi Ngobeni who lost to Gwamanda by 71 votes said he accepts the results if they will guarantee stability in the City. 

“The residents need to be served and we need to see some stability even if that comes from the government of local unity that’s fine. But if they fail to do so we’ll be there to hold them accountable.”

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