ANC Joburg divided over the proposed appointment of Liam Jacobs as the MMC for Transport

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress-led coalition in Johannesburg is divided over the proposed appointment of Liam Jacobs as the MMC for Transport.

Eyewitness News has learnt that Mayor Dada Morero is uncomfortable with appointing Jacobs to the position, citing his lack of experience in local government.

READ: Liam Jacobs sworn in as councillor in City of Joburg Council

The 24-year-old Patriotic Alliance (PA) member was sworn in as a councillor in Johannesburg on Friday, replacing the party’s suspended deputy leader Kenny Kunene.

Kunene resigned as a councillor last month following questions around his links to murder accused businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe.

Insiders have revealed the patriotic alliance insists that since Liam Jacobs replaced Kenny Kunene in council, he should also take over as the MMC for Transport in Johannesburg.

The ANC and other parties in the coalition, however, don’t agree,  citing the Transport Department might be too big for a councillor with no experience in government.

It's understood Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero had proposed to appoint the 24-year-old to a portfolio that’s not too big for his shoes.

But the Patriotic Alliance isn’t happy with this proposal.

When asked if Jacobs will be appointed as the Transport MMC, this is how Morero responded.

" The seats belong to the City of Johannesburg, and the mayor will then decide how he deploys the team, depending on the mayoral priorities that need to be achieved and also on the strengths of particular individuals within the team. We will make an announcement at the right time."

Morero said coalition partners are still deliberating on Kunene’s replacement