Dada Morero Urges Former Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda to Step Aside After Fraud Arrest, Awaiting Final Decision
In the wake of former Joburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda’s recent arrest for alleged involvement in a fraudulent funeral insurance scheme, current Executive Mayor Dada Morero has invoked the African National Congress (ANC) step-aside rule. However, despite the serious charges, no concrete action has yet been taken to remove Gwamanda from his current role as MMC for community development.
Gwamanda’s Fraud Charges
Gwamanda, who served as Johannesburg’s mayor from May 2023 to August 2024, was arrested on Friday, 18 October 2024. The arrest stems from accusations of running a Ponzi-style funeral policy scam between 2011 and 2012, allegedly swindling residents in Soweto. An investigation by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority revealed that Gwamanda disappeared in 2012 after clients demanded their funds. The charges amount to fraud totalling R12,000, with Gwamanda and co-accused Mduduzi Zonde currently out on R2,000 bail each.
The former mayor’s legal troubles have drawn significant attention, with many calling for swift action. He is expected to return to court on 3 December 2024.
Morero’s Response and ANC Step-Aside Rule
In a public statement on Monday, Mayor Morero expressed deep concern over the allegations, emphasizing the importance of addressing the situation urgently to prevent disruption to service delivery. Gwamanda remains a member of the mayoral committee for community development, and while Morero has the authority to remove him, he has chosen to meet with Gwamanda first before making any decisions.
The ANC’s step-aside rule, which requires members facing serious criminal charges to voluntarily step aside from executive roles or face suspension, is central to the decision-making process. Although Gwamanda is not an ANC member, his party, Al Jama-ah, is part of the 10-party Government of National Unity (GNU) coalition, making the ANC’s policy influential in determining his fate.
Calls for Gwamanda to Step Down
Political figures, including ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, have publicly called for Gwamanda’s immediate removal, citing the severity of the charges. Mashaba took to social media, urging Morero to act swiftly and not allow ANC policies to interfere with the decision.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also weighed in, welcoming Gwamanda’s arrest and pledging to launch an investigation into agreements made during his time as mayor and MMC. These calls come in light of growing pressure on the Johannesburg government to address allegations of corruption effectively.
What’s Next for Gwamanda?
As Gwamanda prepares for his upcoming court date, the political pressure mounts. Despite his arrest, Morero has not yet removed Gwamanda from his post, opting to meet with him first and deliberate on the next steps. Gwamanda’s political career hangs in the balance, with opposition parties, civil organizations, and residents eager to see swift and decisive action.
Johannesburg remains on high alert as the city’s leadership navigates this high-profile case, which threatens to impact public confidence in local governance.
With the ANC’s step-aside rule in play, all eyes are on Mayor Dada Morero as he decides whether to push Gwamanda to voluntarily step down or take more drastic measures. The unfolding legal drama surrounding Gwamanda will likely have far-reaching implications for Johannesburg’s political landscape in the coming months.
