Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has given Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero a 14-day ultimatum to address the city’s financial mismanagement, including R1.4 billion in unauthorised expenditure and R22 billion in irregular expenditure. The stern warning comes amid growing concerns over service delivery failures and alleged mismanagement within the metro.
DA Accuses Mayor of Concealing Financial Crisis
Democratic Alliance (DA) Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku has accused Mayor Morero of failing to disclose the finance minister’s letter to the council, despite receiving it before recent council meetings.
“The mayor knew about this letter as early as Thursday but did not appraise council,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku said. “He has repeatedly dismissed the DA’s warnings as politicking, but now the minister is confirming exactly what we’ve been saying.”
Premier Defends “Bomb Squad” Intervention
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has defended the provincial government’s intervention, citing progress since the establishment of a special task team (dubbed the “bomb squad”) to oversee Johannesburg’s governance. However, the DA has dismissed these claims, calling the structure “unconstitutional and ineffective.”
“The premier is completely out of touch,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku said. “Residents still face potholes, water shortages, and power outages. Just last week, Sandton—where G20 delegates will stay—had no water for eight days.”
14-Day Deadline: Can the Mayor Comply?
With Godongwana’s deadline looming, questions remain over whether the city can rectify its finances in time. The DA argues that Morero ignored repeated warnings about corruption, unlawful appointments, and tender irregularities in Johannesburg’s 13 entities.
“Had the mayor acted sooner, we could have avoided this crisis,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku said. “Now, if funding is withheld, residents will suffer even more—bridges, water pipes, and infrastructure upgrades will stall.”
Risk of Withheld Funds: A Looming Disaster
The finance minister has not ruled out withholding funds—a move that could cripple service delivery further. Johannesburg already struggles with 80% of its bridges deemed at risk, frequent sewer leaks, and aging infrastructure.
“If grants are withdrawn, capital projects will halt, and residents will bear the brunt,” warned Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
What’s Next?
As the 14-day countdown begins, pressure mounts on Mayor Morero to act swiftly or face severe financial repercussions. Meanwhile, the DA has called for personal accountability for councilors involved in unlawful decisions.
For now, Johannesburg’s residents wait anxiously—caught in the crossfire of political blame games while basic services continue to deteriorate.
