By Lungile Ntimba
City of Joburg’s council programming committee has approved the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) motion of no confidence against executive mayor Dada Morero, Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu, and Chief Whip Sithembiso Zungu.
In an interview with Inside Metros on Thursday, DA caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku confirmed the motion’s progression through programming.
However, she noted that the document cannot be shared due to council privileges, which allow it to be disclosed only upon being served in council.
“I can confirm that the motion against the mayor, speaker, and chief whip has gone through programming. However, I cannot share the document due to council privileges—it can only be shared once it is served in council,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
Kayser-Echeozonjoku lambasted the current administration for failing to uphold basic services, neglecting communities, and causing local government operations to stall.
“Instead of leading with integrity, his administration has been characterised by mismanagement, patronage networks, and a concerning lack of transparency,” she said.
She also accused Speaker Mthembu of bias, alleging a failure in her constitutional role as an impartial guardian of council processes and accused her of shielding the Mayor from accountability.
“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,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku added.
The DA called on all councillors, regardless of party affiliation, to support its motions and collaborate in restoring effective governance in Johannesburg.
Meanwhile, the ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) has disbanded the Johannesburg Regional Executive Committee (REC), led by Morero as regional chairperson, following the conclusion of its term on June 5, 2025.
According to former ANC regional secretary Sasabona Manganye, this decision was formalised during a PTT meeting last week, in accordance with the ANC constitution.
“The mandate is to continue focusing on the revolutionary task of uniting, rebuilding, renewing, and strengthening the ANC and its leagues at the branch and regional levels,” Manganye stated.
It is reported that a new regional task team is committed to mobilising branches for the upcoming regional conference, which will elect new leaders to guide the party in the city toward the 2026 local government elections.
The ANC is expected to face a strong challenge from DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille.
In the upcoming conference, Morero will compete for re-election as regional chairperson against his former deputy, Loyiso Masuku.
Manganye is also seeking re-election as regional secretary against Chris Vondo, a known Morero ally.
Meanwhile, Maxwell Nedzamba and Bonolo Ramokhele, a chartered accountant, will vie for the position of regional treasurer.
INSIDE METROS