JOHANNESBURG - The City of Gold is losing its glitter. Residents of Johannesburg struggle with a lack of service delivery and crumbling infrastructure.
They’ve lost confidence in those who govern the city.
Led by the Johannesburg Crisis Alliance (JAC), residents are now demanding new leadership.
Since 2019 change has been the only constant. Here’s a look at those who’ve come and gone in the last few years.
Geoffrey Makhubo (2019-2021)
Geoffrey Makhubo, born in Soweto in 1968, served as mayor from December 2019 until his death in July 2021. A member of the African National Congress (ANC), Makhubo was also the party's regional chair. He held a BCom degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and completed several advanced management courses. Before his mayoral tenure, he was the regional treasurer and later the regional leader of the ANC, serving as Johannesburg MMC for Finance under Mayor Parks Tau.
Jolidee Matongo (2021)
Jolidee Matongo was born in Soweto in 1974 and was mayor for about a month in 2021. He was killed in a car crash on his way back from a local government voter registration drive in Soweto. Prior to being mayor, Matongo was a member of the mayoral committee for finance under his predecessor, Geoffrey Makhubo.
Mpho Moerane (2021)
He was born in 1969 and grew up in Alexandra. Moerane, an electrician, businessperson and politician, served as mayor from October to November 2021. He was a member of the ANC and had previously been the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services. He was the regional treasurer of the ANC in Johannesburg and died on May 18, 2022, following a car accident.
Mpho Phalatse (2021-2023)
Mpho Louisa Phalatse, was born in November 1977 in Pretoria and made history as Johannesburg's first black woman mayor. A medical doctor, she was a member of the Democratic Alliance and served two stints as mayor between 2021 and 2023, when she was ousted in a motion of no-confidence.
Sello Enoch Dada Morero (2022)
Sello Enoch Dada Morero was born in 1976. He was mayor for less than a month in 2022. A longtime ANC member, Morero had been the regional secretary and later the chairperson of the ANC in Johannesburg.
Thapelo Amad (2023)
Thapelo Amad, born 1982 in Soweto, is a politician, a religious leader and a member of the Al Jama-ah party. He became mayor in January 2023, with the support of the ANC, but resigned a few months later.
Kabelo Gwamanda (2023-Present)
Kabelo Gwamanda was born in 1982 and is the current mayor of Johannesburg. He was voted in in May 2023. A member of the Al Jama-ah party, his term has been marred by controversy and opposition. He is currently facing calls for his resignation from civil society groups.
By Tshenolo Khaile