ANC Johannesburg moves to recall Mayor Dada Morero amid power struggles

The City of Johannesburg faces further political instability after the African National Congress (ANC) Regional Executive Committee resolved to recall embattled Mayor Dada Morero.

The decision follows a fractious regional elective conference last year, where Morero’s faction lost and later took the outcome of the vote to court. His defeat has effectively created two centers of power, with Morero at the helm in the metro and Loyiso Masuku leading ANC structures in Johannesburg.

These developments come as the city continues to struggle with service delivery, including persistent problems with water and electricity supply to residents. With months to go before the local government elections, the ANC in Johannesburg is facing another internal crisis as the possible removal of Morero looms.

Morero’s performance at the head of the city’s coalition government has also come under intense scrutiny, amid protests over poor service delivery and delays in major infrastructure projects, such as the Brixton Tower and reservoir. Over the past year, Morero has survived three motions of no confidence in council.

Meanwhile, opposition parties including the Democratic Alliance and ActionSA are intensifying their campaigns, positioning themselves as a strong challenge to the ANC ahead of the elections.

The Regional Executive Committee’s (REC) resolution to recall Morero, citing the court challenge to the conference outcome, could prove to be the final blow for the embattled mayor.

However, the ANC’s national leadership will have the final say on whether the recall is implemented.