Dada Morero Dodges Yet Another Political Bullet, But the Real Battle Is Still Ahead

Political storms in Johannesburg come and go faster than afternoon thunderstorms, but somehow, Mayor Dada Morero keeps finding shelter before the lightning strikes.

On Monday, just hours before councillors were expected to debate yet another motion of no confidence against him, the ground suddenly shifted. The very faction that brought the motion a group of minority parties calling themselves the Minority Governing Parties (MGP), quietly pulled the plug.

No heated showdown.
No late-night counting of votes.
Just a sudden, pragmatic retreat.

And for Morero, it means one thing: he has survived his second no-confidence attempt this year.

Inside the Last-Minute Retreat

According to insiders who spoke to The Citizen, frantic behind-the-scenes discussions led to an unexpected peace offering.

“From now on, we agreed that we will solve our problems amicably and not through motions,” one coalition source said, a rare moment of unity in a city council known for political whiplash.

The U-turn didn’t just save Morero.
Several other motions, including those targeting:

• Former mayor Thapelo Amad (Al Jama-ah)

• Yongama Zigebe (UDM)

• Lubabalo Magwentshu (ATM)

are also expected to be withdrawn.

These three chair Section 79 committees and had initially supported the bid to oust Morero. In classic Joburg political tit-for-tat, the ANC retaliated by filing motions against them. Now, with tensions cooling, everyone seems ready to step back from the brink.

Tuesday’s council meeting is expected to officially scrap all the pending motions.

Why This Keeps Happening in Joburg

If this feels like déjà vu, you’re not imagining it.

Joburg’s metro council is one of the most fragmented political spaces in the country. No party governs alone. Every decision requires awkward alliances, shifting loyalties and fragile handshakes.

This constant balancing act is why motions of no confidence have become the city’s unofficial political sport.

For residents, it’s exhausting. Social media reaction summed it up perfectly:

“Another motion? Can someone please fix the potholes instead?” – X (Twitter) user

“Joburg politics moves like a telenovela. Every week: ‘Will the mayor survive?’” – Facebook comment

“We don’t need stability on paper. We need stability on the ground.” – Community activist in Brixton

What’s Really at Stake for Morero

Surviving the council chambers is only half the fight.

Morero now heads into a crucial regional ANC conference, where he will have to defend his position as regional leader a role that directly influences his authority inside the council.

In political terms:
Winning this battle keeps him in the mayoral chain.
Losing it could weaken him enough for opponents to try again.

Johannesburg may be tired of the endless motions, but the contest inside the ANC could be even more decisive.

A Temporary Peace, but Not a Permanent One

Monday’s truce feels less like a resolution and more like a ceasefire.
Joburg’s political coalitions are famous for two things:

• Working together when convenient

• Falling apart just as quickly

While the withdrawal of motions gives Morero breathing room, the underlying tensions remain. Competing factions, bruised egos and upcoming internal elections mean the calm might not last long.

Still, for now and perhaps for the next 24 hours, Johannesburg has a mayor who remains firmly in his seat.

How long that lasts is anyone’s guess.

{Source: The Citizen}

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