Dada Morero’s Return as Johannesburg Mayor Backed by ANC Coalition Allies
Dada Morero, the African National Congress (ANC) regional chairperson in Johannesburg, has reclaimed his role as Executive Mayor of Africa’s financial hub. Elected on August 16, 2024, his return follows a turbulent 2022 stint that lasted just 25 days due to a court ruling. Now, with strong backing from coalition partners, Morero faces the dual challenge of restoring essential services and navigating internal power dynamics.
Coalition Power
ANC, EFF, and PA Unite to Stabilize Johannesburg
Morero’s second term was secured through a strategic “Government of Local Unity“, a coalition involving:
- Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
- Patriotic Alliance (PA)
- ActionSA
- African Independent Congress (AIC)
- Al Jama-ah and other minority parties
This Multi-Party Alliance Was Formed to Address “Johannesburg’s” Prolonged Leadership Crisis, Service Delivery Failures, And Public Frustration with Unstable Governance.
However, the “Democratic Alliance” (DA) Opted Out, Citing concerns About Political Horse-Trading And Lack of Transparency. DA leaders labeled Morero’s election as a regression in governance integrity, a sentiment echoing in other metros like Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
Allegations and Internal Tensions Rock the ANC in Joburg
Even as Morero enjoys coalition backing, factional conflict within the ANC remains a major hurdle. A recent scandal erupted when two ANC MayCo members were accused of colluding with a Rand Water official to sabotage water supply in an effort to discredit Morero’s administration.
The ANC’s Johannesburg leadership responded swiftly, urging law enforcement to investigate what could amount to political sabotage amid a worsening Johannesburg water crisis in 2025.
JMPD Hiring Proposal Sparks Immigration Controversy
Morero also faced backlash over a leaked proposal discussed in an ANC regional executive meeting suggesting the hiring of foreign nationals in the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to address language barriers in multicultural communities.
The public outrage that followed led to a formal apology, with Morero clarifying that no final decision had been made. The incident amplified concerns around metro police hiring practices, social cohesion, and immigration-related policymaking in Gauteng metros.
Controversy Over City Manager Nomination Raises Governance Concerns
Critics are watching closely as Morero reportedly considers Helen Botes, former CEO of the Joburg Property Company, for the position of acting City Manager. Known for her polarizing tenure and alleged mismanagement, Botes’s potential appointment has raised eyebrows across party lines.
Coalition members fear this move might compromise administrative integrity and signal an unwelcome return to cadre deployment over competence.
Dada Morero’s Vision for Joburg: Restoring Services and Rebuilding Trust
In multiple public addresses, Morero has laid out his mayoral agenda:
- Water supply and electricity restoration
- Enhanced waste management and sanitation
- Crime reduction through community policing
- Infrastructure revitalization
- Local economic development to combat unemployment
- His vision directly addresses the city’s crippling service delivery backlogs, widespread infrastructure collapse, and rising crime rates, especially in informal settlements and urban peripheries.
Can Dada Morero Deliver as Johannesburg Stands at a Crossroads
Dada Morero’s second tenure arrives at a critical juncture for Johannesburg’s political and urban future. While he enjoys rare support from ideological rivals like the EFF and PA, the true test of his leadership will be delivering measurable change in a city plagued by corruption, inefficiency, and distrust.
Final Thoughts
Dada Morero has the political capital—but whether he can translate that into public service transformation remains to be seen. Johannesburg residents are watching closely, and so is the nation.