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Dada Morero’s job on the line as Johannesburg politics hits breaking point
Johannesburg politics has once again entered a familiar holding pattern of tension, late-night meetings, and coalition brinkmanship. At the centre of it all is Mayor Dada Morero, whose position is now openly under review after minority coalition partners formally asked the ANC to consider recalling him from office.
The request was confirmed this week and has thrown City Hall into another round of uncertainty, with a motion of no confidence expected to land on the council agenda within days.
A city stuck in political gridlock
The call to consult Luthuli House was made during a political management committee meeting that, by all accounts, was anything but calm. Minority parties described the discussions as heated and intense, reflecting what they see as a city drifting under unresolved leadership struggles.
Their message was blunt. They believe Johannesburg is experiencing a form of leadership paralysis and that Morero’s continued tenure is no longer sustainable if the coalition hopes to deliver stability and services. Despite their own internal differences and the wider ANC factional battles, these parties say they are united by concern for the city’s governance.
For residents watching from the outside, the frustration is familiar. Johannesburg has cycled through mayors and coalitions with such speed that many have lost track of who is meant to be steering the ship at any given moment.
The ANC’s sudden pause
What has raised eyebrows is the ANC’s apparent change in tone. Just days earlier, the party’s regional leadership publicly committed to defending Morero, framing his continuation as mayor as a strategic move to preserve stability and consolidate ANC authority in the metro.
Now, the party confirms it is consulting internally about whether he should step aside. Regional spokesperson Mantombi Nkosi has asked for time, saying the ANC will engage all relevant stakeholders before responding formally.
That hesitation alone speaks volumes. In Johannesburg politics, delays often signal deeper disagreements behind closed doors.
A motion that refuses to disappear
Adding to the pressure is a motion of no confidence proposed by the minority governing parties, with Al Jama-ah playing a key role. The group has refused to withdraw its request for a debate on Morero’s fitness to hold office, even as the ANC attempts to manage the situation internally.
The motion is expected to be debated at the next council meeting. If history is anything to go by, the outcome could hinge on last-minute negotiations, walkouts, or shifting alliances.
Old rivalries, new consequences
Morero’s troubles are not only about coalition politics. They are tightly woven into ongoing factional disputes within the ANC itself. His relationship with the party’s current Johannesburg leadership has been strained since he raised concerns with the national body about how the regional elective conference was conducted.
That conference ended his reign as regional chairperson, with Loyiso Masuku defeating him in a closely fought contest. Allegations of irregularities, including the discovery of ballot papers at a private residence linked to the election process, have only deepened the mistrust.
Supporters of the ANC Youth League in Johannesburg have openly pushed for Masuku to replace Morero as mayor if he is removed. National leadership, however, has shut that down, urging members to focus on campaigning ahead of the next local government elections rather than fighting over mayoral seats.
What this means for Joburg residents
For ordinary Joburgers, the political drama is exhausting. Service delivery issues do not pause while parties negotiate power, and each new leadership standoff delays long-term planning for a city already under strain.
Whether Morero survives yet another attempt to unseat him, resigns under party pressure, or is voted out in council, one thing is clear. Johannesburg remains trapped in a cycle where political survival often takes precedence over governance.
Until that changes, City Hall is likely to stay restless, no matter who occupies the mayoral office.
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Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: News24
