Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kabelo Gwamanda |
| Place of Birth | Soweto, South Africa |
| Political Party | Al Jama-ah |
| Position | Mayor of Johannesburg (May 2023 – August 2024) |
| Preceded by | Thapelo Amad |
| Date of Election | May 5, 2023 |
| State of the City Address | June 6, 2023 |
| Resignation Announcement | August 13, 2024 |
| Current Role | Al Jama-ah Regional Secretary in Johannesburg |
| Significant Challenge | Resigned under pressure from ANC coalition partner |
Kabelo Gwamanda, a prominent South African politician, made headlines when he became the Mayor of Johannesburg in May 2023. As a member of the Al Jama-ah party, Gwamanda is the ninth executive mayor of Johannesburg’s metropolitan municipality since 2016. His political journey has been marked by significant milestones, challenges, and the responsibility of leading one of South Africa’s largest cities.
Early Life and Political Rise
Kabelo Gwamanda was born in Soweto, South Africa, a township known for its rich history in the fight against apartheid. His roots in Soweto played a crucial role in shaping his political consciousness and commitment to serving the people of Johannesburg. Gwamanda’s affiliation with the Al Jama-ah party eventually led to his rise in local politics, where he became a key figure in Johannesburg’s municipal government.
Mayoral Career
Gwamanda’s mayoral career began under challenging circumstances. He succeeded fellow Al Jama-ah councillor Thapelo Amad, who resigned from the mayoral position due to pressure from coalition partners. The African National Congress (ANC), the largest party in Johannesburg’s council, endorsed Gwamanda for the mayoral position on May 5, 2023, in an effort to maintain its alliance with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), another influential party in the council.
During a secret ballot vote held on the same day, Gwamanda was elected as the Mayor of Johannesburg, receiving 139 out of 266 votes. Following his election, Gwamanda swiftly announced his mayoral committee, laying the groundwork for his administration.
On June 6, 2023, Gwamanda delivered his maiden State of the City Address, outlining his vision and plans for Johannesburg. However, the following day, he fell ill during a debate on his address and was subsequently hospitalized, an event that raised concerns about his health.
Gwamanda’s tenure as mayor faced numerous challenges, including political pressure from his coalition partners. On August 13, 2024, under mounting pressure from the ANC, Gwamanda announced his resignation as Mayor of Johannesburg, effective upon the election of a new mayor. Despite stepping down, Gwamanda remains an influential figure within the Al Jama-ah party, serving as the regional secretary in Johannesburg.