Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed motions of no confidence against Joburg Mayor Dada Morero and Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu.

The motions were submitted only hours prior to Mayor Morero’s State of the City address.

Explaining the rationale for these motions, Councillor Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, the DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, stated on Wednesday (7 May 2025) that Johannesburg, known as the economic core of South Africa, is in decline.

“With the current leadership, essential services are faltering, communities are being neglected, and local government operations are stagnating,” Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku noted.

“Johannesburg deserves better.”

She asserted that the mayor has let down the citizens.

“Instead of leading with integrity, his administration has been marked by mismanagement, favoritism, and a concerning lack of transparency,” said Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku.

“Additionally, the Speaker has not fulfilled her constitutional duty as an unbiased overseer of council procedures.

“Rather than enabling fair and thorough scrutiny, she has repeatedly shielded the Mayor, undermining the council’s capacity to hold the executive accountable.”

Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku remarked that the Speaker’s bias has obstructed vital decision-making, stifled legitimate inquiry, and eroded the democratic integrity of the council chamber.

“The Speaker’s actions, exemplified by her defense of ineffective officials and neglect of procedural fairness, reveal that she is no longer impartial but a political ally of the Mayor,” stated Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku.

“Together, they have turned the council into a political arena, while residents suffer from poor governance.”

Councillor Kayser-Echeozonjoku emphasized that the DA will not remain passive as Johannesburg succumbs to narrow political interests.

“We owe it to every resident to advocate for a functioning council, a mayor who leads effectively, and a speaker who upholds the rules impartially,” she urged.

“We call upon all councillors, regardless of their 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 commitment to the residents of Johannesburg, where every individual’s dignity is respected, services are reliable, and governance serves the public interest, not political elites.