Mayor Morero’s ‘Bomb Squad’ Targets Joburg’s Biggest Crises with Military Precision

In a bold move to revive Johannesburg’s declining fortunes, Executive Mayor Dada Morero has announced the launch of a high-powered implementation task force dubbed the “Bomb Squad,” aimed at neutralising the city’s most urgent service delivery and financial crises.

Drawing inspiration from military operations, Morero said, “In military language, a bomb squad has the responsibility of examining and removing bombs before they explode. This City of Johannesburg Bomb Squad must remove constraints that are impacting the city’s ability to create the Joburg we want to see.”

The Bomb Squad will officially begin operations in June 2025 and is part of the Presidential Support Package’s first mission — a sweeping turnaround strategy for the City of Johannesburg.

Who’s Leading the Charge?

At the helm of the Bomb Squad is Dr. Snuki Zikalala, 73, a seasoned journalist, political communicator and president of the ANC Veterans’ League. Zikalala is best known for his previous role as Managing Director of News and Current Affairs at the SABC and is no stranger to high-pressure situations.

His role will involve coordinating rapid-response actions to eliminate deep-rooted urban issues, including:

• Crumbling road infrastructure and over 100,000 potholes

• Illegal electricity connections costing Eskom billions

• Land invasions and illegal mining

• Rampant dumping in residential areas

• Undocumented migrants impacting service delivery

A City in Crisis

Speaking frankly, Morero described the city as being in a “state of rot,” citing failing infrastructure, economic stagnation, and a spiraling debt burden. “We need extreme actions to resolve our challenges. This is no normal situation. If we continue business as usual, we’ll never see different results.”

In addition to fixing infrastructure, Morero’s broader plan includes overhauling the city’s financial strategy. The city’s 2023/24 integrated report shows revenue collection slightly under target at 86.7%, while more than R40 billion is still owed to the municipality in unpaid accounts.

Johannesburg and City Power also face R4.9 billion in unpaid electricity bills to Eskom, raising the urgency of restoring fiscal discipline.

“We’ll be robust in collecting revenue from those with the means to pay. Our financial position remains fragile and calls for a major reset in management and revenue generation,” Morero said.

Targeting Growth: A 3% GDP Vision

An economic workstream will also be formed to ensure Joburg achieves 3% GDP growth over the next five years. Johannesburg already contributes 16.5% to the national economy and employs 12% of South Africa’s workforce — making its recovery vital to national growth.

Hope Through Action

Despite the scale of Johannesburg’s challenges, the mayor remains hopeful. “It’s not enough to admire the problem. We must act — and we must act fast. The Bomb Squad represents urgency, focus, and implementation.”

With a seasoned leader, national backing, and a clear vision, the “Bomb Squad” could be just the explosive force Johannesburg needs — not to destroy, but to rebuild.

{Source: Money Web}

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