City of Johannesburg’s MMC Kabelo Gwamanda Dismissed Amid Fraud Allegations, New Appointment Announced
By Lerato Mpembe
The City of Johannesburg has officially announced the dismissal of former Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda from his role as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development, following allegations of involvement in a fraudulent funeral insurance scheme. The decision, made by Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Dada Morero, is effective immediately, as confirmed in a statement released on 9 November 2024. This move aims to ensure that the city’s service delivery remains uninterrupted, with a swift transition in leadership.
According to the official statement, “The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero, has officially relieved Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, the former Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development, of all his official duties.” Mayor Morero emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and continuity within the city’s operations, particularly within the Community Development department, which plays a vital role in addressing the needs of Johannesburg’s residents.
In light of Gwamanda’s departure, Mayor Morero appointed Cllr Tebogo Nkonkou as the new MMC for Community Development. This appointment is also effective immediately, with Mayor Morero expressing confidence in Cllr Nkonkou’s ability to lead the department. He praised Nkonkou’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for the residents of Johannesburg, underscoring the city’s continued commitment to service excellence.
The termination of Gwamanda’s duties follows a series of serious allegations linking him to a fraudulent funeral insurance scheme. Gwamanda, who previously served as the Mayor of Johannesburg, was recently accused of operating a bogus funeral insurance business that allegedly scammed numerous clients out of their hard-earned money. This revelation has sparked significant public outrage, as the scandal underscores issues of accountability and integrity within public office. Mayor Morero had initially suspended Gwamanda pending an internal investigation, which has now culminated in his official dismissal.
Background and Allegations Against Kabelo Gwamanda
Kabelo Gwamanda’s political career has been marred by controversy following allegations that he ran an illegitimate funeral insurance scheme. Reports suggest that the scheme operated under the guise of providing affordable funeral coverage to low-income individuals, yet clients claimed they received no benefits when they attempted to claim for funeral expenses. Many families reportedly faced financial hardships due to the scheme, as they had entrusted Gwamanda’s company with the responsibility of handling funeral costs in times of bereavement. These allegations have not only cast a shadow over Gwamanda’s career but have also raised broader concerns about trust in public officials.
An investigation was launched to determine the extent of Gwamanda’s involvement in the scheme, with sources indicating that numerous victims came forward to share their experiences. This development has placed significant pressure on the Johannesburg City Council to act decisively in addressing the misconduct, leading to Gwamanda’s suspension and subsequent dismissal.
Immediate Appointment of Cllr Tebogo Nkonkou as MMC for Community Development
The City of Johannesburg has moved swiftly to fill the vacancy created by Gwamanda’s dismissal. Cllr Tebogo Nkonkou, who has been appointed as the new MMC for Community Development, brings a wealth of experience to the role. In the statement, the Executive Mayor expressed confidence that Cllr Nkonkou would lead the department with dedication and commitment, focusing on service delivery that meets the needs of Johannesburg’s diverse communities.
Mayor Morero’s statement highlighted the city’s resolve in maintaining efficient service delivery despite recent disruptions. “The City of Johannesburg remains steadfast and committed to ensuring continued delivery of quality services to the people through the eyes of residents of Johannesburg,” the statement read. This commitment reflects the city’s determination to address service delivery challenges and restore public trust amid the fallout from the fraud allegations.
Statement from the Office of the Executive Mayor
The official statement released by the City of Johannesburg on 9 November 2024 reads as follows:
“The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero, has officially relieved Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, the former Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development, of all his official duties. The decision to discharge MMC Gwamanda is effective immediately and aims to ensure that the City’s service delivery remains uninterrupted and continues to meet the needs of its residents.”
“In light of this change, Cllr Morero has appointed Cllr Tebogo Nkonkou as the new MMC for Community Development, effective immediately. The Executive Mayor expressed confidence that Cllr Nkonkou will lead the department with the dedication and commitment to further improve the lives of the City’s residents.”
“The City of Johannesburg remains steadfast and committed to ensuring continued delivery of quality services to the people through the eyes of residents of Johannesburg.”
The statement, issued by Chris Vondo, the spokesperson for the Executive Mayor
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