Cape Town – Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene has been appointed mayor of Johannesburg for the next two days.
Reports indicated that Kunene’s appointment was effective from Sunday until Monday when the newly appointed mayor Kabelo Gwamanda returns to his post.
Gwamanda is reportedly out of town on business.
“In my capacity as the Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg Metropolitan Municipality and on authority vested on me by the Municipal Council, I hereby delegate Councillor Kenny Kunene, member of the mayoral committee of the City of Joburg Municipality to act as executive mayor for the period between May 14 and 15,” read the appointment letter from Gwamanda, according to IOL.
Kunene, who is Johannesburg’s Transport MMC, said he was elected as he was part of the Mayoral Committee in the city and understood what was required to keep the city running.
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He said he was humbled by the appointment, but he believed he was up for the task, EWN reported.
“It’s not a difficult task because I am part of the mayoral committee, and we work well with the mayor. I understand the needs that are there – we have mayoral committees. So, I am just warming up the seat until the honourable mayor is back, the report quoted Kunene as saying.
PA leader Gayton McKenzie celebrated the news of Kunene’s one-day mayoral appointment on Twitter.
“Congratulations are in order, I received a text that our new Acting Mayor in the City of Joburg is none other than the capable @Kenny_T_Kunene,” he wrote.
Congratulations are in order, I received a text that our new Acting Mayor in the City of Joburg is none other than the capable @Kenny_T_Kunene ?????? pic.twitter.com/0PXt8zQj7n
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 14, 2023
According to News24, Gwamanda was expected to address a media briefing hosted by his party Al Jama-ah on Saturday, to address allegations that he ran a funeral insurance scam.
The allegations were brought to light by DA councillor Dr Mpho Phalatse, who pushed Gwamanda to clear his name by speaking out on the allegations.
However, Gwamanda did not attend the Al Jama-ah briefing because he feared for his safety, according to Al Jama-ah Gauteng leader Thapelo Amad, the report said.
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Picture: Twitter/@Kenny_T_Kenene
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
