The fragile political balance in the City of Johannesburg has been shaken once again as the minority governing parties (MGP) within the metropolitan municipality have submitted a motion of no confidence against mayor Dada Morero.
The MGP is a coalition of 10 smaller parties that form part of the African National Congress (ANC)-led government in the city council.
The motion, tabled in terms of Rule 94(1) of the Council’s Standing Rules and Orders, was proposed by Al Jama-ah’s Kabelo Gwamanda, who is the city’s former mayor, and seconded by Unedited Democratic Movement councillor Yongama Zigebe.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the MGP described the move as a principled stand to restore accountability, defend good governance, and uphold the lawful authority of the council over the city’s administration.
Decry collapse in governance, services
“Johannesburg deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent, and focused on the needs of residents. Not on political dominance,” the statement read.
“This motion is a step toward reclaiming Johannesburg for its people. Ensuring that governance is driven by service, not by self-interest.”
The statement added that MGP’s decision follows what it calls a sustained breakdown of governance, administrative capture, and political interference in the city’s operations.
The parties accuse Morero of presiding over a period of deep administrative instability and service delivery collapse. One marked by what they describe as a deliberate centralisation of power within his office. And the erosion of administrative independence.
For more than a year, Johannesburg has operated without a permanent City Manager. A situation that the MGP claims is in direct violation of Section 54A of the Municipal Systems Act.
The statement alleges that this vacancy has been deliberately prolonged by the mayor in order to consolidate political control through acting appointments. Rather than to ensure administrative stability and effective service delivery.
Separation of powers
The MGP further accuses Morero of blurring the lines between executive and administrative functions. Of undermining the principle of separation of powers within the municipality.
The MGP also expressed alarm at what it calls interference from national and provincial levels of government in the city’s internal appointments. Particularly the ongoing impasse over the appointment of a permanent city manager. This, they argue, has weakened council authority. And it has compromised the independence of the municipal administration.
Another issue raised is the alleged sweeping of R4-billion from Johannesburg Water’s accounts. The parties describe this as a reckless act that endangered service delivery and breached the Municipal Finance Management Act.
In addition to governance and financial concerns, the statement highlights worsening service delivery failures. These include prolonged water and electricity outages, deteriorating infrastructure, and mounting frustration among residents.
The MGP also raised objections to the creation of the so-called “Bomb Squad”. The structure was reportedly introduced without council consultation or approval. The parties argue that even members within the Government of Local Unity (GLU) were not taken into confidence regarding its establishment or mandate. They warn that such actions risk overreach and undermine transparency and cooperative governance.
No attack on ANC
The MGP emphasised that their motion is not an attack on the ANC or its role within the coalition government. This is despite the severity of their criticisms.
“Our differences are not partisan; they are principled,” the statement reads.
“This motion seeks to change the mayor, not to break the coalition.”
The MGP said it respects the ANC’s participation in the GLU. But it believes Morero’s leadership has compromised both the stability and credibility of the coalition.
This comes weeks after the MGP wrote to the mayor. They instructed him to dismiss the MMC for community development, Tebogo Nkonkou.
They accuse the Pan-Africanist Congress’s Nkonkou of evading accountability and underperforming in his portfolio.
