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The DA 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.

It is disappointing that Amad, another puppet mayor, was manipulated by the ANC/EFF/PA coalition of corruption for their personal gain. By supporting Amad as mayor the ANC/EFF/PA sabotaged service delivery and placed their personal interests above the interest of Johannesburg residents.

They suspended investigations into corruption, that had been 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.

This meeting has been postponed till 2 May, when a new mayor will be elected.

The ANC/EFF/PA coalition does not yet have a "compromise candidate" to replace Amad, and behind the scenes horse-trading for positions has commenced, ignoring the interests of residents 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.

Issued by Fred Nel - DA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson