Democratic Alliance (DA) Johannesburg Caucus Leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku has raised concerns that some city councillors may be pressured into abstaining from the upcoming motion of no confidence against Mayor Dada Morero. She warned that any abstention would effectively amount to supporting Morero’s continued leadership amid what the DA describes as a collapse in service delivery.
Motion Targets Mayor, Speaker, and Chief Whip
The motion, tabled by the DA, also seeks the removal of Council Speaker Colleen Makhubele and Chief Whip Sithembiso Zungu, whom the party accuses of enabling dysfunction in the council. Kayser-Echeozonjoku alleged that the speaker has shown bias in protecting the mayor, while the chief whip has been accused of bulldozing critical financial decisions without proper consultation.
Allegations of Rogue Leadership
Kayser-Echeozonjoku claimed Morero has acted unilaterally, citing his abrupt reversal of a 12.5% electricity tariff hike—a decision she argued was made without council approval and could destabilize the city’s budget. She further accused him of ignoring opposition input, including the DA’s proposals for a reduced tariff increase.
Political Shifts and Anonymous Support
The DA leader revealed that several unnamed political parties—including some within the ANC-led Government of Local Unity—have privately pledged support for the motion. However, she acknowledged that last-minute political maneuvering could influence the outcome.
Warning Against Abstentions
Kayser-Echeozonjoku issued a stern warning to councillors considering abstention, stating, “Any councillor or party that abstains is voting to keep the mayor in office and endorsing the chaos in Johannesburg.”
Background: A City in Turmoil
Johannesburg has seen six mayors in six years, with frequent shifts in leadership between the ANC, DA, and minority parties. The DA argues that Morero’s tenure has accelerated the city’s decline, pointing to failing infrastructure and financial mismanagement.
Upcoming Press Conference
The motion comes as Morero and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa are set to address Johannesburg’s ongoing dispute with Eskom over unpaid debts. The DA has vowed to scrutinize the outcome, questioning whether a deal with Eskom will further strain the city’s finances.
DA’s Leadership Race
Kayser-Echeozonjoku confirmed she is among 12 applicants vying to be the DA’s mayoral candidate for 2024 but declined to confirm whether former DA leader Helen Zille is in contention.
The motion is expected to be tabled in the coming weeks, with the DA banking on discontent within the ANC and smaller parties to unseat Morero. However, with political loyalties in flux, the outcome remains uncertain.
