Al Jama-ah’s Imam Alderman Abu Bakr Thapelo Amad’s Appointment as City of Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor
Did any of our political pundits ever imagine that Al Jama-ah – a little-known party – would have one of its leading Gauteng members awarded the covetous mayoral seat of one of Africa’s largest City? Nay, this was never given any serious thought and nor did anyone predict publicly that this would happen.
Despite it being a small South African political party, Al JAMA-AH strategically positioned itself playing a crucial role in the political landscape; it has been doing that in two of its main provinces (namely, Gauteng and Western Cape) or in numerous outlying villages (in KZN and the Eastern Cape) where it is making a meaningful difference to those communities. Having made soft political strides over the past few years (circa 2019-2022), AL JAMA-AH impressed many with its activities and co-opted as a proactive partner to bring positive change.
Considering these developments and fast-tracking to the beginning of 2023, AL JAMA-AH had already geared itself to co-govern the City of Johannesburg. So, when discussions were underway during the first round among the minority bloc that consisted of a dozen parties in that city, the Party nominated Imam Alderman Abu Bakr Thapelo Amad as the Executive Mayor. Other nominations included the Speaker as well as a sole member of another party; the latter was hell bent on getting the post.
Imam Amad, however, stood down followed by the Cope Speaker to keep the bloc intact. A surprise further nomination was AL JAMA-AH’s Ward Cllr from Lenasia. In the second round, the Parties (with the numbers) wanted Imam Amad. And President Gayton McKenzie of Patriotic Front interestingly told “ma se kind to step down”. With Imam Amad’s selection and eventual appointment, it may be argued that he basically ousted Dr. Phalatse who was Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor that governed by thoughtlessly supporting the Zionist state of apartheid Israel.’
It was, moreover, not easy to get the ANC on board during that period; one faction in the ANC’s NEC wanted to know who AL JAMA-AH was. In response, the ANC’s Provincial secretary rebuked them saying, “If you don’t know the Muslim party you do not know the ANC and the stalwarts of the liberation movement. Attention focused to AL JAMA-AH’s leader and dissidents were told.” He added that that leader is ‘Mr Silver bullet’! He should, furthermore, have elaborated that Hon. Hendricks introduced the revolutionary model of co-governance into coalition politics.
Nonetheless, the City of Johannesburg is the start of the ANC sharing power and this timeous as the country is inching its way towards the National and Provincial 2024 elections. According to Hon. Hendricks, more than half-dozen parties asked AL JAMA-AH to provide leadership; this amanat (trust), which was accepted by him, was for the Johannesburg’s ummah (community) to decide and approve; they should readily take over this power position helping Johannesburg to develop into a digitalized, smart city.
AL JAMA-AH’s constant shura (consultation) will play a central role among the parties when the Executive Mayor (and his team) works towards completing tasks within the first 100 days; so, the parties’ election promises, which requested the Executive Mayor to lead, should be actualized. For the record, at the parliamentary memorial service of Dr Frene Ginwala AL JAMA-AH’s MP made a bond statement: “AL JAMA-AH is no one’s pawn, as we lead in Johannesburg.’
It was indeed a historical day when Imam Amad was inaugurated as the City of Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor; and it was a memorable day for many of us (in and outside the party). It implied that the party triumphed and has etched its name in the country’s political history. Imam Amad’s nomination, however, was also considered a victory for all minority parties within the South African political landscape where they have the potential to change the scenario from going into coalition to even co-governing.
Now that Al JAMA-AH has taken this political step in agreeing to join the twin processes of coalition and co-governance, new socio-political developments are on-going and that these political arrangements will ensure that consultation among all continues and that all parties make certain that service delivery gets underway; their collective efforts should be for the Common Good of all.
By Al JAMA-AH Management