By Johnathan Paoli
Minority governing parties in Johannesburg have called on the ANC to compel mayor Dada Morero to resign ahead of a motion of no confidence, arguing that his continued tenure has plunged the city into a leadership crisis and governance paralysis.
The call followed a Political Management Committee (PMC) meeting on Tuesday, where minority parties formally requested the ANC to ensure that Morero steps down before Thursday’s council sitting, at which a motion of no confidence against him is expected to be debated.
The request has now forced the ANC to consult its provincial and national leadership, including Luthuli House, on the possibility of recalling the Johannesburg mayor.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Minority Governing Parties (MGP) said they welcome the resolution taken by the PMC to request the ANC to ensure the resignation of Morero as mayor.
“Following intense deliberations, the PMC reached a firm and collective resolution that the continued tenure of the Executive Mayor was no longer sustainable in the interests of Johannesburg and the stability of the Government of Local Unity,” the statement read.
They described Tuesday’s meeting as tense, underscoring the seriousness of the city’s political and administrative challenges.
According to the minority parties, coalition partners expressed deep concern about the impact of political instability at the top of the city’s leadership, with discussions leading to a collective conclusion that Morero could no longer remain in office.
Despite criticism of Morero, the minority parties acknowledged the ANC’s request for time to consult internally and report back before the council meeting scheduled for Thursday.
The MGP stressed that their intervention was driven by governance concerns rather than internal party battles.
ANC regional spokesperson Mantombi Nkosi reportedly confirmed that a request to recall Morero had been tabled, but cautioned that the party needed space to engage its structures.
Morero is also facing a formal motion of no confidence brought by Al Jama-ah, one of the minority governing parties.
It is reported that the group refused to withdraw its request for a debate on Morero’s fitness to hold office, despite pressure during coalition discussions.
The motion is expected to be on Thursday’s council agenda.
Adding to the drama, Al Jama-ah councillor and former mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has written to council speaker Margaret Arnolds requesting that the motion be decided by secret ballot.
In his letter, Gwamanda argued that a secret ballot would protect councillors from intimidation and political retaliation.
“A secret ballot will protect councillors from intimidation, victimisation, or external pressure and ensure that votes are cast freely, honestly, and in accordance with conscience,” Gwamanda wrote.
On Monday, regional secretary Sasabona Manganye said the ANC would defend Morero against removal, arguing that stability required him to remain in office.
However, the situation is further complicated by reported factional battles within the ANC in Johannesburg.
Morero recently lost his position as ANC Greater Johannesburg regional chairperson to Loyiso Masuku at a contentious conference, and tensions have escalated since he lodged complaints with the party’s national leadership over alleged irregularities in that process.
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