DA writes to Joburg Mayor Morero demanding Gwamanda's dismissal

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero demanding the immediate dismissal of Community Development MMC Kabelo Gwamanda.

This after Gwamanda's recent arrest over alleged involvement in a fraudulent funeral insurance scheme in 2012.

Gwamanda’s company, Ithuba Lama Afrika, provided funeral plans to Soweto residents despite not being registered.

The DA believes that the fraud charges against former Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda could undermine the integrity of the municipality if ignored.

The party argued that this justified its request for the council Speaker to refer Gwamanda to the city’s ethics committee. 

In a letter obtained by EWN, DA caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku stated there was plausible reason to suspect that Gwamanda may have engaged in questionable dealings on behalf of the city during his time as mayor.

"We also ask the executive mayor to institute an investigation into all agreements or anything that has to do with councillor Gwamanda’s signature, whether it was MOUs or agreements."

On Monday, Morero announced in a statement that the African National Congress (ANC)'s step aside  rule will have to kick in despite Gwamanda being a member of the Al Jama-ah party.

The rule requires those charged in a court of law to step aside from their positions in government.