DA Submits No-Confidence Motion Against Joburg Mayor Dada Morero and Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu
Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed motions of no confidence against Joburg Mayor Dada Morero and Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu.
The motions were submitted just hours prior to Mayor Morero’s State of the City address.
In outlining the reasons for these motions, Councillor Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, the DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, stated on Wednesday (7 May 2025) that Johannesburg, known as the economic heart of South Africa, is on a path of decline.
“Under the current leadership, essential services are diminishing, communities are being neglected, and local government operations are stalling,” Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku observed.
“Johannesburg deserves more than this.”
She claimed that the mayor has let down the citizens.
“Instead of demonstrating integrity, his administration has been marred by mismanagement, favoritism, and a concerning lack of transparency,” remarked Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“Furthermore, the Speaker has not fulfilled her constitutional role as an impartial overseer of council procedures.
“Rather than encouraging fair and thorough oversight, she has persistently shielded the Mayor, undermining the council’s capacity to hold the executive accountable.”
Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku pointed out that the Speaker’s bias has obstructed critical decision-making, stifled legitimate inquiry, and eroded the democratic integrity of the council chamber.
“The Speaker’s actions, marked by her defense of ineffective officials and disregard for procedural fairness, reveal that she is no longer neutral but a political ally of the Mayor,” stated Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“Together, they have turned the council into a political playground, while residents suffer the consequences of poor governance.”
Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku emphasized that the DA will not stay silent while Johannesburg is overrun by narrow political interests.
“We owe it to every resident to advocate for a functioning council, a mayor who leads effectively, and a speaker who administers the rules without bias,” she urged.
“We call upon all councillors, regardless of party affiliation, to support the DA’s motions and join us in striving for a city that serves all its citizens.”
Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku reaffirmed the DA’s dedication to Johannesburg’s residents, where every individual’s dignity is respected, services are reliable, and governance serves the public interest instead of political elites.