Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has placed Kabelo Gwamanda, the City’s member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for community development, on special leave effective immediately. This decision comes after Morero invoked the ANC’s internal step-aside rule due to fraud charges against Gwamanda, a councillor from the Al Jama-ah party.
The rule mandates that ANC members facing serious allegations, including corruption, either step aside voluntarily or risk suspension. Gwamanda was arrested on October 18 for allegedly defrauding Soweto residents through a funeral insurance scam he operated in 2011 and 2012. This came to light after a victim reported the case at the Protea Glen police station.
Gwamanda appeared in the Protea Magistrates’ Court on Friday, facing fraud charges totaling R12,000, and was granted bail of R2,000. An investigation by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in 2023 revealed that Gwamanda vanished in 2012 when clients sought their funds. He has previously defended himself against accusations related to his company, the iThemba Lama Afrika funeral scheme.
On Tuesday morning, Morero met with Gwamanda to discuss the allegations. “The severity of these allegations demands a proactive response to protect the integrity of the office of the executive mayor,” he stated. He announced that Gwamanda would be relieved of all executive duties during this period and that the matter would be referred to council speaker Nobuhle Mthembu of ActionSA for further action.
Morero also indicated that an acting MMC for community development would be appointed in Gwamanda’s absence. “The City of Johannesburg remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and integrity and will not tolerate any behavior that may compromise the trust of our citizens,” he emphasized.
In response, Gwamanda expressed his intent to take special leave to focus on resolving his legal matters. “I am committed to addressing these matters swiftly and responsibly,” he said in a statement posted on X.