Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has dismissed the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) planned motion of no confidence against him, attributing it to the opposition party’s fear of progress under his administration.
The DA’s move comes in response to Morero’s recent establishment of the City’s “Bomb Squad”, a specialized unit tasked with tackling service delivery backlogs, financial woes, hijacked buildings, and urban decay. The team, composed of experts from various fields, aims to transform Johannesburg into a “world-class” city within two years.
DA’s Opposition and Morero’s Response
The DA has questioned the constitutionality of the Bomb Squad, arguing that it bypasses standard municipal processes. However, Morero remains defiant, suggesting the motion is politically motivated ahead of next year’s elections.
“The DA never tabled a motion of confidence in this administration until I came on board,” Morero said. “Now that they see progress, they are frustrated. If we succeed, it will be difficult for them in the elections.”
He defended the Bomb Squad as a necessary intervention, emphasizing that Johannesburg’s challenges require urgent and innovative solutions. The unit includes high-profile figures such as:
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Snuki Zikalala (ANC Veterans League President),
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Professor Busani Ngcaweni (former Deputy Director-General in the Presidency),
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Mavela Dlamini (former City Manager).
Morero stated that he consulted across party lines before forming the team, inviting all stakeholders to contribute.
Helen Zille Eyes Mayoral Bid
Meanwhile, DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille hinted at a possible run for Johannesburg mayor, declaring the city “broken” and in need of urgent restoration.
“If we want South Africa to work, we need to fix Johannesburg,” Zille said. “We need a strong team to take over and turn things around in the next election cycle.”
Bomb Squad Not Linked to G20, Says Morero
With the G20 meeting scheduled for November in Johannesburg, some have speculated that the Bomb Squad was hastily assembled for the event. Morero denied this, insisting the unit is a long-term strategy to revitalize the city.
“This is not about the G20. We are confident this team will accelerate service delivery and governance reforms,” he said.
As political tensions rise, the motion of no confidence is expected to test Morero’s support in council. For now, the mayor remains steadfast, framing the DA’s challenge as resistance to change rather than genuine accountability.