Johannesburg – The African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg is facing renewed internal tensions after its Regional Executive Committee (REC) resolved to recall Mayor Dada Morero. The decision comes amid ongoing factional battles within the party and a city grappling with service delivery challenges.
Morero’s recall follows a contested regional elective conference last year, where his faction was defeated. He subsequently challenged the outcome in court, resulting in a split of power: Morero continues to run the metro, while Loyiso Masuku leads the ANC’s local structures.
Service delivery problems, including persistent water and electricity shortages, continue to affect Johannesburg residents. Morero’s handling of these issues, along with stalled infrastructure projects such as the Brixton Tower and reservoir, has drawn criticism and sparked protests. Over the past year, he has survived three motions of no confidence in council.
Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance and ActionSA, are using the political instability to strengthen their campaigns ahead of local government elections.
The REC cited the court challenge to last year’s conference as a key reason for the recall. However, the ANC’s national leadership will make the final decision on whether Morero will step down.
Morero, for his part, says he has received no official communication about the recall decision. The coming weeks could prove decisive for both his political future and the ANC’s grip on Johannesburg ahead of the elections.