Johannesburg’s mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda, who recently expressed his 
desire to leave for national politics, now plans to stay on until Christmas. 
This decision comes amidst plummeting service levels and rising public 
dissatisfaction. While a deal with ActionSA was rumored to end his tenure, 
Gwamanda's party, Al Jama-ah, insists his continued leadership will provide 
the city with much-needed stability. However, with a staggering budget 
deficit, a crippling electricity surcharge, and widespread poverty, many 
citizens and civil groups are calling for his resignation to address the city's 
mounting crises.