Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero is once again at the centre of political turbulence, with a fresh motion of no confidence set to be debated in council on Tuesday. This latest challenge comes from a coalition of minority parties—the United Democratic Movement (UDM), the African Independent Congress (AIC), and Al-Jama-ah—who have expressed deep dissatisfaction with Morero’s leadership and the direction in which the city is heading.
The group of minority parties recently withdrew from the African National Congress (ANC)-led coalition government, marking a significant political shift within the Johannesburg council. Their departure signals growing fractures within the broader coalition arrangement that had kept Morero in office. According to their joint statement, their move was driven primarily by what they describe as poor governance, worsening service delivery failures, and Morero’s unwillingness to consult coalition partners on crucial administrative and strategic matters.
The motion against Dada Morero draws attention to long-standing concerns over Johannesburg’s service delivery challenges—issues that have dominated political debates in the city for years. Residents have increasingly complained about rolling power failures, inconsistent water supply, deteriorating roads, and mounting waste management problems. The minority parties argue that under Morero’s tenure, many of these issues have worsened.
Dada Morero Faces Renewed Political Turmoil as Minority Parties Table Motion
UDM councillor Yongama Zingebe was direct in his criticism. He emphasized that their grievances were not aimed at the ANC as a political organisation but specifically targeted at what he views as Morero’s leadership shortcomings. According to Zingebe, “Under Mayor Morero’s tenure, Johannesburg has experienced one of its most difficult periods of administrative instability and service delivery collapse.” This statement encapsulates the frustrations that have been simmering both within the council and among Johannesburg residents.
This week is poised to be one of the most pivotal in Dada Morero’s political career. While the motion of no confidence alone would be enough to place considerable pressure on him, the timing of the challenge is particularly significant. The ANC’s regional conference—one of the most hotly contested in recent years—is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, immediately following the council deliberations on the motion.
Morero is seeking re-election as the ANC’s Johannesburg regional chairperson, facing stiff competition from Loyiso Masuku, who has garnered substantial support in recent weeks. Political analysts suggest that the outcome of the motion of no confidence could influence internal ANC dynamics and potentially reshape Morero’s standing within the party. A defeat in council could weaken his bid for re-election, while a victory might bolster his political credibility just hours before the conference begins.
The Johannesburg council has been marked by instability for several years, with shifting coalitions and recurring leadership battles. Many believe that the latest motion reflects broader structural problems within the city’s power-sharing arrangements. Coalition governments, while intended to ensure broader representation, often face challenges when partners disagree on priorities, governance decisions, or leadership styles.
In this case, the minority parties accuse Dada Morero of unilateral decision-making and failing to engage meaningfully with coalition partners. These tensions have undermined trust within the governing bloc and contributed to their decision to withdraw support. Their withdrawal left Morero’s administration exposed, making it easier for opposition groups to push forward a motion of no confidence.
The council meeting to debate the motion is scheduled to run over two days, meaning discussions and voting could extend into Wednesday. This overlap with the ANC regional conference adds heightened urgency and drama to the political landscape in Johannesburg. Should the motion succeed, Morero would be removed as mayor, plunging the city into yet another leadership reshuffle. If he survives, he will still walk into the ANC conference facing uncertainty—but with a renewed argument for his political resilience.
As Johannesburg residents look on, many hope that the outcome—regardless of the political manoeuvring—will ultimately lead to improved stability and better service delivery. For now, all eyes remain on Dada Morero, whose immediate political future hangs in the balance.
Source- EWN