Smaller parties table motion of no-confidence against Morero amid governance crisis

The Minority Governing Parties (MGP) have submitted a motion of no confidence in Joburg Mayor Dada Morero, accusing him of undermining lawful governance and presiding over a city “in administrative freefall.”

The motion, filed in terms of Rule 94(1) of the Council’s Standing Rules and Orders, was proposed by former mayor Kabelo Gwamanda and seconded by councillor Yongama Zigebe.

The MGP said it represented “a principled stand to defend the integrity of governance, restore accountability, and reassert Council’s authority over the city’s administration.”

According to the group, Joburg has gone more than a year without a permanent City Manager, in violation of Section 54A of the Municipal Systems Act.

According to the motion, acting appointments have been used to consolidate political control, while service delivery continues to deteriorate.

“The Mayor has consistently centralised power within his office, effectively blurring the lines between the executive and administrative functions of the municipality,” the group said.

Among the most serious allegations were sweeping of R4 billion from Johannesburg Water’s accounts, national and provincial interference in senior city appointments, persistent water and power outages and the creation of a “Bomb Squad” unit without Council consultation,

The group insisted its action was not an attack on the ANC or the Government of Local Unity (GLU).

“Our differences are not partisan; they are principled… This motion seeks to change the mayor, not to break the coalition,” the bloc said.

However, the ANC in Johannesburg swiftly condemned the move, calling it “a desperate and opportunistic attempt by fringe political actors seeking relevance at the expense of service delivery and stability.”

In a statement, the ANC said none of the parties behind the motion had ever raised concerns through proper coalition channels.

“An attack on the Morero, is in essence, an attack on the ANC itself and the collective mandate entrusted to the ANC-led coalitiongovernment to rebuild and renew the city,” it said.

The motion is expected to be tabled before Council in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the speaker Margaret Arnolds has reportedly not yet received the letter.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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