Morero Retains Mayoral Position Amid No-Confidence Vote
Natalie Nyathi
In a significant political event for the City of Johannesburg, Mayor Dada Morero has successfully survived a motion of no confidence, reinforcing his position just ten months after his election. The council vote, which took place on June 25, 2025, showcased both support and opposition within the city’s governance structure.
The motion to unseat Morero was initiated by the Democratic Alliance (DA) on May 7, 2025. The results of the vote were as follows: 75 council members voted in favor of the motion, while 144 voted against it, and there were 43 abstentions. In addition, Johannesburg Chief Whip Sithembiso Zungu also faced a no-confidence motion, which concluded with 179 members voting against it, 69 in favor, and 6 abstentions. The strong support for both Morero and Zungu highlights the complexities of Johannesburg’s political landscape.
The DA has been vocal in its criticism of Morero’s administration, claiming that under his leadership, the city’s essential services are deteriorating. Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, the DA’s Johannesburg caucus leader, articulated these concerns, stating: “Under the current leadership, basic services are crumbling, communities are being neglected, and the very machinery of local government is grinding to a halt.” Kayser-Echeozonjoku also accused the council speaker of failing to act impartially, which she argued undermined the council’s ability to hold the executive accountable.
Despite the DA’s motion, Morero received substantial backing from members of the ANC, EFF, and other smaller parties, which voted against the motion. This coalition reflects a shared concern for maintaining stability within the city’s leadership amidst ongoing challenges. Moreover, Action SA, despite being critical of Morero’s leadership, chose to abstain from voting on the motion. Funzi Ngobeni, the provincial chairperson, expressed that while they recognize Morero’s failures, they had concerns about the DA’s approach and the potential consequences of a leadership change.
The City of Johannesburg faces numerous challenges, including severe infrastructure issues and declining service delivery. Approximately 40% of the city’s water supply is lost due to leaks, and electricity theft contributes to significant power losses. These issues have led to widespread dissatisfaction among residents, who have expressed frustrations regarding the state of the city. The ANC attributes some of these challenges to political instability and frequent leadership changes in recent years, arguing that the current administration has been working to stabilize the city’s finances.
As Morero retains his position, he now faces the critical task of addressing the concerns raised during the motion. The city’s budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, set at R89 billion, will be pivotal in determining the administration’s ability to implement necessary reforms and restore public trust. In light of the challenges ahead, Morero must prioritize effective communication and collaboration among council members and engage actively with the community to address their needs.
