Concerns have been raised by the DA in Johannesburg regarding mayor Dada Morero’s new initiative in the city called the Johannesburg Bomb Squad, which the party perceives as a ploy to conceal inadequate service delivery and aid ANC members ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, the leader of the DA Johannesburg caucus, stated that the matter is among the numerous reasons they are inspired to present a motion of no confidence against Morero.
Morero recently announced the launch of the Bomb Squad to tackle the city’s worsening service delivery challenges.
“This dedicated team, known as the Bomb Squad, has been established to assist linkages and coordination with the city’s administration.
Revitalisation drive in Johannesburg
“The team will be linked and embedded in the newly announced Johannesburg Presidential Support Working Group to maximise impact and avoid duplication and uncoordinated interventions,” said Morero.
He emphasised that this team is essential for the revitalisation drive in Johannesburg. However, Kayser-Echeozonjoku claimed that there were more questions than answers after this squad was introduced.
“It is unclear what the purpose of this Bomb Squad is and whether it is part of a comprehensive plan to turn service delivery around in Joburg,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“Currently it seems like Morero has run out of plans and is scared to be outdone by the Presidential Working Group for Joburg, which was established because of his failures.
“Thus, this makes Morero’s initiative nothing more than a public relations stunt to save his image. He is incompetent.”
DA promises to scrutinise appointments
She expressed further concern that this squad may be a way to create jobs for ANC members who lost their positions in previous elections and become paid organisers.
Kayser-Echeozonjoku also questioned whether the Bomb Squad initiative is legal and called for Morero to account to the council.
“The DA will scrutinise the appointments to Morero’s Bomb Squad, its objectives, and the actual work it is doing to ensure that residents of Joburg are not shortchanged but receive the level of service they are entitled to.”
“If this Bomb Squad is an initiative to only advance the interests of the ANC in Joburg, the DA will take its establishment on review like we have taken other illegal appointments on review in Joburg,” she added.
