Joburg Mayor Gwamanda says being targeted because he’s a black man from Soweto
Gwamanda was reacting to calls by ActionSA and civil society organisations that have joined forces to extend calls for his removal from office.
FILE: Johannesburg Mayor Kableo Gwamanda. Picture: X/KabeloGwamanda
JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has spoken out against calls for his removal from office, saying he’s being targeted because he’s a black man from Soweto.
Gwamanda was speaking to Eyewitness News on the sidelines of a council meeting in Braamfontein on Thursday.
He was reacting to calls by ActionSA and civil society organisations that have joined forces to extend calls for his removal from office.
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While there are suggestions that Gwamanda is responsible for poor service delivery and the city’s financial crisis, he said there seemed to be a concerted effort to tarnish his name.
“I’m not the only mayor who has challenges, it’s just that I’m the only one that they feel should take the responsibility and blame for it, which, in my view, is hypocritical.”
He said those calling for his removal had not provided compelling arguments for why he doesn't deserve to occupy the mayoral seat.
“The calls to my removal? Those are in fact baseless, in my view. I can without a fear of contradiction say it’s a clarion call from those that have united against a black child to send a strong message to stay in your place or suffer the consequences.”
ActionSA recently announced intentions to work with the African National Congress (ANC) in council on condition Gwamanda is recalled from the position.