PA leader won’t contest Joburg mayorship

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Joburg needs to look past party politics in the quest for a new mayor and put the city's residents first.

That's according to Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie.

While he won't be putting his name forward for the Joburg mayoral chain, McKenzie says the City Council has many capable leaders who can take the city forward.

READ: Joburg council to elect new mayor next week

Regarding claims that he is behind Thapelo Amad's resignation as mayor, McKenzie says Amad must be happy that they pushed him out sooner rather than later.

"We should look past the party politics and that's why I was even saying that the EFF and the ANC have people who can lead the city.

READ: Joburg council | Lesufi says coalition stands strong

"I think we've come at a time now where we must put residents and not put political relations first," McKenzie said.

"And him [Amad] saying that I pushed him, he must thank me for pushing him because I helped him because he doesn't understand what he was getting himself into.

"It's better that he goes out now than finding himself in more trouble later."