DA files no-confidence motion against Morero

DA Caucus Leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku confirmed the move, saying Morero has failed the people of Johannesburg.

The motion comes just hours before the mayor is expected to deliver his State of the City Address on Wednesday afternoon.

The city is grappling with a severe water crisis, marked by ageing infrastructure, high levels of non-revenue water, and ongoing drought conditions. 

Morero has previously acknowledged the challenge, adding that approximately 40% of the city's water supply is lost due to leaks and illegal connections. 

The mayor also got in trouble in August 2024 after suggesting recruiting documented foreign nationals into the Johannesburg metro police to address language barriers in crime-fighting efforts. 

This proposal sparked widespread criticism from political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and within his party, the African National Congress (ANC).

"Johannesburg, the economic heart of South Africa, is falling apart. Under the current leadership, basic services are crumbling, communities are being neglected, and the very machinery of local government is grinding to a halt,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku explained.

"Johannesburg deserves better. The executive mayor has failed the people. Instead of leading with integrity, his administration has been marked by mismanagement, patronage networks, and a disturbing lack of transparency.”

 Kayser-Echeozonjoku also accused the speaker of failing to act as an impartial guardian of council processes.

"Equally troubling is the speaker's failure to uphold her constitutional role as an impartial guardian of council processes. 

"Instead of ensuring fair and robust oversight, she has consistently shielded the Mayor, undermining the council's ability to hold the executive accountable. 

"Her bias has stifled critical decision-making, suppressed legitimate scrutiny, and eroded the democratic integrity of the council chamber. 

"The speaker's actions, evident in her protection of ineffective officials and disregard for procedural fairness, demonstrate that she is no longer independent but a political ally of the mayor,” added Kayser-Echeozonjoku.

She said the DA will not stand by while narrow political interests hijack Johannesburg.

" We owe it to every resident to fight for a council that works, a mayor who leads, and a speaker who upholds the rules with fairness and impartiality.

We urge all councillors, irrespective of party affiliation, to support the DA's motions and join us in fighting for a city that works for all its people," she said.

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