A planned motion of no confidence against Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has been withdrawn after the parties behind it opted to resolve their concerns internally.
The motion was originally brought by the Al-Jama-ah Party and seconded by two minority coalition partners, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM). It had been scheduled for debate during Tuesday’s council sitting.
These parties had initially signalled that they no longer had confidence in Morero’s leadership. However, they have now agreed to take part in a round-table engagement with the mayor rather than proceed with a formal removal attempt.
The decision followed a meeting on Monday night where the ANC-led coalition discussed the planned motion and broader stability in the city. It was during this meeting that the minority partners reconsidered their stance and agreed to withdraw the motion.
UDM councillor Yongama Zigege explained the late change, saying coalition partners recognised the concerns raised and proposed dialogue instead of confrontation. “The other partners agreed that they feel our pain but suggested that we have a word instead of a motion,” he said.
The move marks the second time in 2025 that Morero has faced an attempt to unseat him. Six months ago, he survived a separate motion of no confidence brought by the Democratic Alliance.
For now, the coalition partners say their dissatisfaction lies not with the ANC itself, but with Morero’s leadership style, which they hope to address through the agreed discussion process.