Joburg’s new mayor resigns. Dr Mpho Phalatse back in the running

Thapelo Amad has resigned as mayor of Johannesburg after just three months in office, putting former mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse back in the running.

Amad resigned before a motion of no confidence to remove him was likely to have passed at the Council meeting today, 25 April.

This meeting has been postponed till 2 May, when a new mayor will be elected.

“It is clear that during his short time in office, Amad fell far short of the requirements for the position,” says Fred Nel – DA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson.

“It is disappointing that Amad, another puppet mayor, was manipulated by the ANC/EFF/PA coalition of corruption for their personal gain. By supporting Amad as mayor the ANC/EFF/PA sabotaged service delivery and placed their personal interests above the interest of Johannesburg residents.”

According to the DA, they suspended investigations into corruption, that had been initiated under the DA multiparty coalition, and re-instated officials accused of corruption.

“The ANC/EFF/PA coalition does not yet have a “compromise candidate” to replace Amad, and behind the scenes horse-trading for positions has commenced, ignoring the interests of residents of Johannesburg,” Nel said in a statement on Tuesday.

The DA will nominate Dr Mpho Phalatse as its mayoral candidate. “Dr Phalatse has a proven track record and an understanding of the needs of the people of Johannesburg,” says Nel.

During tough times last year, when she was ousted, Dr Phalatse said: “I love this great city, and I love its people. My term of office, to date, has been both the hardest and the most rewarding time of my life, and I know we’ve made a positive difference here.”