'I had no ambition of becoming the Mayor of Joburg' – Kabelo Gwamanda

Africa Melane interviews Kabelo Gwamanda, Mayor of the City of Johannesburg.

Listen below.

Johannesburg’s mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda, who recently indicated his intention to transition to national politics, has now decided to remain in office until Christmas.

This decision follows a significant decline in service delivery and growing public discontent.

Despite speculation about an agreement with ActionSA that would have ended his term, Gwamanda's party, Al Jama-ah, maintains that his leadership is crucial for the city's stability.

Nevertheless, facing a severe budget deficit, a burdensome electricity surcharge, and widespread poverty, many residents and civil organisations demand his resignation to address the escalating crises.

Ultimately, Gwamanda says that opinions regarding his tenure as Mayor, whether from himself, his party, or another party, do not hold sway without a collective decision or agreement among the local unity government.

"Whether I have a view or my party has a view or another party has a view, it is not a prevailing view in the absence of a collective decision."

- Kabelo Gwamanda, Mayor – City of Johannesburg

Is Gwamanda the right fit as Mayor?

He admits he had no ambition of becoming Mayor or holding any official position.

Instead, Gwamanda's primary goal was to establish a government capable of addressing the city's pressing issues, such as stabilising the administrative wing.

"In terms of who is the right candidate to lead the City of Johannesburg, that is the prerogative of the political parties that have been elected."

- Kabelo Gwamanda, Mayor – City of Johannesburg

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.