Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
26 April 2023 | 19:55 CAT

Photo Credit: News24

The City of Johannesburg is again without a mayor after the recent mayor, Thapelo Ahmad, who represented the small Al Jama-ah party, resigned on Monday evening. He resigned a day before he and the current Speaker was to face a motion of no confidence. Al Jama-ah says Amad will leave the City of Johannesburg in an excellent financial position.

The DA’s Caucus leader, Fred Nel, speaks to Radio Islam International about Ahmad vacating the position. He said Amad, who held the post for less than 100 days, is speculated to have been elected because the ANC and EFF could not reach an agreement for Mayoral candidates amongst themselves and went for a neutral option.

According to ANC Provincial Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi, Thapelo Ahmad has demonstrated selfless leadership during his term in office. However, there were real concerns amongst other parties that Ahmad was put into the frying pan and had yet to learn of the magnitude of the job that awaited him.

The DA believed Ahmad was not doing a good job and brought forward the motion of no confidence. Nel said there was a coalition which would have voted against Ahmad today should the motion have been served.

“Ahmad did not have a choice and was forced to resign due to his bad performance in the city,” he added.

Meanwhile, the DA will nominate Mpho Mphalatse as the Mayoral candidate at the Council Meeting next Tuesday.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Host Annisa Essack.