…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media. Political party Al Jama-ah has given Dr Mpho Phalatse, Democratic Alliance caucus leader in the City of Johannesburg, 48 hours to apologise and retract her claims that Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda is a scammer or face legal action.
This comes after Gwamanda received 139 votes to become Executive Mayor in the City of Johannesburg, defeating Dr Mpho Phalatse and ActionSA’s Funzi Ngobeni following Thapelo Amad’s resignation.
Phalatse accused Gwamanda of running a Ponzi scheme through his iThemba Lama Africa funeral scheme entity.
Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks accused Phalatse of being a sore loser and trying to defame Gwamanda.
In response, Al Jama-ah has demanded that the DA retract their lies against the Mayor and issue an apology, both verbal and written, within the next 48 hours.
Failure to do so will result in legal action taken by Gwamanda’s legal team against the DA for defamation of character.
In a statement, the party expressed disappointment at the level to which the DA has resorted to cheap politicking and a failed attempt to defame the character of the newly elected Executive Mayor before he has even stepped into his office.
Al Jama-ah has reassured the public that Gwamanda remains focused and will not be deterred from his responsibilities.
This incident highlights the potential legal repercussions of making false accusations and defamatory statements.
It is important for political leaders and parties to maintain ethical standards and refrain from resorting to cheap politicking and personal attacks, particularly when defeated politically.
The demand for a retraction and apology shows the significance of holding public figures accountable for their words and actions.