By Staff Reporter
The City of Joburg could see a change in its executive leadership soon after the Democratic Alliance submitted motions of no confidence in the mayor Dada Morero and the Speaker of the Johannesburg City Council, Nobuhle Mthembu.
This comes amid mounting discontent and internal divisions within the council.
The DA claims that Johannesburg, the economic heart of South Africa is falling and is in a state of total collapse.
The party has cited, among others, the crumbling infrastructure, potholes, broken traffic lights, and electricity and water supply problems.
In a recent media preceding the State of the City Address (SOCA), Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, DA Johannesburg caucus leader, criticised the current administration for failing to maintain basic services, neglecting communities, and allowing local government operations to grind to a halt.
She said the city has failed to keep the streets free of rubbish, curb illegal water and electricity connections, and to prioritise the delivery of basic services.
“The Executive Mayor has failed the people,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“Instead of leading with integrity, his administration has been marked by mismanagement, patronage networks, and a disturbing lack of transparency.”
She added that equally troubling was the Speaker’s failure to uphold her constitutional role as an impartial guardian of council processes.
“Instead of ensuring fair and robust oversight, she has consistently shielded the Mayor, undermining council’s ability to hold the executive accountable,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“Her bias has stifled critical decision-making, suppressed legitimate scrutiny, and eroded the democratic integrity of the council chamber.
Kayser-Echeozonjoku further added that the Speaker’s actions, evident in her protection of ineffective officials and disregard for procedural fairness, demonstrate that she is no longer independent but a political ally of the Mayor.
She said between the two of them, council has turned into a political playground, while residents suffer the consequences of poor governance.
“The DA will not stand by while Johannesburg is hijacked by narrow political interests. We owe it to every resident to fight for a council that works, a mayor who leads, and a speaker who upholds the rules with fairness and impartiality,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“We urge all councillors, irrespective of party affiliation, to support the DA’s motions and join us in fighting for a city that works for all its people.”
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