PHUTI MOSOMANE
THE Democratic Alliance has announced its decision to nominate Dr. Mpho Phalatse as its mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg.
This follows the resignation of Al Jama-ah councillor Thapelo Amad on Monday, ahead of a motion of no confidence against him.
The DA’s Gauteng provincial chairperson Fred Nel said on Tuesday that Phalatse is known for her excellent track record and deep understanding of the needs of the people of Johannesburg.
“The DA will nominate Dr. Mpho Phalatse as our mayoral candidate. Dr. Phalatse has a proven track record and an understanding of the needs of the people of Johannesburg,” said Nel.
“The DA [also] welcomes the resignation of Thapelo Amad as mayor of Johannesburg. It is clear that during his short time in office, Amad fell far short of the requirements for the position.”
Nel said it is disappointing that mayor Amad was ‘manipulated by the ANC-EFF-PA coalition of corruption for their personal gain’.
He said Amad suspended investigations into corruption initiated under the DA multiparty coalition, and re-instated officials accused of corruption.
“Amad was forced to resign before a motion of no confidence to remove him would almost certainly have passed at the Council meeting on 25 April,” he said.
The City of Johannesburg council is expected to convene on May 2, when a new mayor will be elected.
ANC Gauteng chairperson Panyaza Lesufi said the governing party and its coalition partners are expected to announce their mayoral candidate in the next few days.
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