Mayor Amad resigns before Motion of No Confidence

In just two and a half months after taking office, councillor Thapelo Amad has resigned as the executive mayor of Johannesburg. His exit comes just hours before facing a motion of no confidence.

Councillor Amad, representing the Muslim minority political party, Al Jama-ah, was elected through the assistance of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighter’s (EFF) partnership a few months earlier.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, April 24, Gauteng Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi thanked Councillor Amad for his selfless leadership skills.

“Following intense consultation and discussions we have accepted the resignation of our executive mayor, Thapelo Amad.,” said Lesufi He replaced Democratic Alliance’s Councillor DA Mpho Maphalatse who was outsted through a motion of no confidence in January.

Political parties that backed Amad started calling for his resignation after a television interview went viral, where he revealed his involvement in securing a R9.5 billion loan for the city.

“The loan proposal referred to is but one of many unsolicited proposals advanced to the City following widely published reports on the City’s financial difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic impact on ratepayers and the City,” the office of the mayor explained.

A constant breakdown in multi party coalitions has led the City to electing a total of six mayors in just three years.

The DA welcomes the resignation of Thapelo Amad and announces Dr Phalatse as their preferred candidate for Mayoral election.

“The mention of the R9,5 billion loan facility was made as a mere example of the proposals received and not stated as a final and concluded deal of the City. It was used within the context of the interview to demonstrate a collective will by the City leadership to steer Johannesburg and the Inner City around towards growth and development,” said the City in a statement.