JOHANNESBURG — Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has placed the blame for the city’s worsening financial state on ongoing political instability, following a stern warning from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana over the city’s ballooning unauthorised and wasteful expenditure.
In a recent interview, Morero responded to a scathing letter from the National Treasury, which threatened to cut off funding to South Africa’s economic hub if urgent measures are not taken to fix irregular spending and poor financial management. The city’s finances have come under increased scrutiny as government auditors raise red flags over years of unmonitored and mismanaged budgets.
Since the 2021 local government elections, Johannesburg has cycled through four different mayors, each bringing their own leadership style, policies, and administrative reshuffles. The revolving door of leadership has wreaked havoc on long-term planning and service delivery, according to Morero.
“The plans were always there,” Morero told Eyewitness News (EWN). “But implementation was weak, mainly because of the constant changes in leadership. It took too long to establish basic structures like a disciplinary committee.”
Morero insists that now, with what he describes as a “stable coalition government”, the city is better positioned to bring order to its finances and restore public trust.
Finance Minister Godongwana’s letter was direct: if Johannesburg fails to rein in its unauthorised, irregular, and wasteful expenditure, the National Treasury will suspend financial support.
According to Treasury reports, Johannesburg’s financial irregularities include:
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Late payments to service providers
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Over-inflated procurement contracts
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Misuse of funds earmarked for infrastructure development
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A lack of disciplinary action for financial misconduct
Godongwana warned that continued non-compliance could jeopardize not just funding but also investor confidence, as Johannesburg is expected to play a central role in upcoming global events, including the much-anticipated G20 Summit.
Morero’s Response: A Stabilised Coalition Brings Hope
Morero admitted that financial controls had broken down in parts of the administration but insists corrective measures are now in motion. A major part of the turnaround plan is the recent appointment of a disciplinary committee, a task that had been delayed due to leadership instability.
“We’ve communicated to the minister that progress has been made,” said Morero. “This committee is crucial in holding officials accountable for financial misconduct. We couldn’t establish it earlier because every time a mayor was replaced, plans were either paused or scrapped.”
He added that with the coalition more stable than in the previous two years, there is finally room to implement long-term fiscal strategies.
Despite Morero’s reassurances, many residents have grown weary of promises. Service delivery issues, ranging from potholes to persistent water and electricity outages, have plagued the city. Meanwhile, accusations of patronage networks and political infighting continue to taint public perception.
Ratepayer groups have begun voicing their frustration more openly, demanding that city officials be held accountable for financial mismanagement.
“Residents are paying more but receiving less,” said Sipho Mahlangu, chairperson of the Johannesburg Ratepayers Forum. “It’s not enough for Mayor Morero to blame instability—we need transparency, accountability, and urgent action.”
Dada Morero, who previously served as the MMC for Finance before taking over the mayoral office, brings considerable experience to the table. Analysts say he understands the depth of the financial crisis but warn that technical know-how must be backed by political will.
“Morero is competent, but the real challenge is navigating the politics of coalition governance,” said political analyst Dr. Lebo Phakeng. “If the coalition holds, there’s a chance he can implement reforms. If not, we’re looking at another cycle of chaos.”
Adding further pressure to Morero’s leadership is Johannesburg’s role as a host city for the G20 Summit. Preparations require significant investment in infrastructure, transport, and security—all of which hinge on a functioning, well-funded administration.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has expressed confidence that Johannesburg will meet the international expectations, but insiders say the city’s financial chaos could hinder preparations unless urgent reforms are enforced.
As Mayor Dada Morero works to steady the financial ship, all eyes remain on his administration. With a stern warning from Treasury, the pressure is mounting—not just to clean up the books, but to show tangible improvements in governance, service delivery, and public accountability.
Morero’s success or failure could set the tone for Johannesburg’s political future, especially ahead of the next local elections. For now, the mayor remains optimistic, relying on his coalition partners and recently established structures to deliver the turnaround the city so desperately needs.
Source- EWN
