The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has welcomed the arrest of former Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda for his alleged involvement in a fraudulent funeral policy scheme. This long-awaited development underscores the DA’s previous warnings regarding the ANC and its coalition partners’ failure to provide ethical and transparent leadership.
Since Gwamanda’s election as mayor, serious allegations of fraud have overshadowed his tenure, with the DA raising these concerns as early as May 2023. Despite the evidence, the ANC supported Gwamanda, dismissing the DA’s warnings as mere “gossip.” This arrest not only vindicates the DA but also highlights the reckless disregard shown by the ANC and its coalition partners, Al Jama-ah and the EFF, in allowing a compromised individual to lead Johannesburg.
Gwamanda’s alleged scam defrauded vulnerable residents of Soweto, leaving them in dire financial situations. He continued to lead the city while his victims were misled into believing he had died, a shocking betrayal of public trust.
The DA urges the ANC and its coalition partners to reflect on the harm caused by enabling such individuals to hold leadership positions. We call for the legal process to proceed without interference and for justice to be served for those affected by Gwamanda’s alleged fraud.
Additionally, the DA will write to the Executive Mayor requesting an investigation into all agreements made during Gwamanda’s tenure as mayor and as MMC Community Development, given the seriousness of the allegations against him.
The people of Johannesburg deserve a leader they can trust, not one who exploits them for personal gain.