The Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken a bold step in Johannesburg, officially submitting motions of no confidence against both Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero and Speaker of the Johannesburg City Council, Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu. In doing so, the party is shining a light on the dire state of governance in the city, which has seen a significant decline in basic services and the oversight of essential municipal processes.
Johannesburg, revered as the economic heart of South Africa, is increasingly struggling under the current leadership. With the administration’s marked failures—including rampant mismanagement, allegations of patronage networks, and a concerning lack of transparency—residents’ needs are being overshadowed. Concerns about how residents’ welfare is being treated have reached a tipping point. The DA asserts that the Executive Mayor has gravely failed the people, prioritising political interests over community welfare.
Equally significant is the role of the Speaker, who is meant to serve as an impartial guardian of council processes. Instead, Cllr Mthembu has demonstrated a consistent bias that undermines the council’s ability to ensure accountability within the executive. The DA has expressed frustration with her practices, which include shielding ineffective officials and neglecting the principles of procedural fairness. Such actions have fundamentally compromised the democratic integrity of the council chamber, transforming it into a political arena rather than a space for robust governance.
“Between the two of them, the council has turned into a political playground while residents suffer the consequences of poor governance,” stated a DA representative. The DA’s motions signal their intention to reclaim the council for the benefit of residents who are tired of being neglected. The importance of fair leadership and transparent governance cannot be overstated, particularly in a city where so many depend on the local administration to uphold their dignity and well-being.
The DA’s commitment lies in advocating for a Johannesburg where reliable services are prioritized and governance is directed towards the public good. The party urges all councillors, irrespective of their political affiliations, to support their motions and unite in the fight for a city that truly serves all its inhabitants.
The stakes are high as the DA seeks to galvanise both public support and political backing for their cause, highlighting the need for a dynamic and functional council that represents the people of Johannesburg rather than the interests of political elites.