ANC closes ranks around Morero as no-confidence storm looms

Cape Town – The African National Congress (ANC) has reaffirmed its support for Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero as political pressure mounts ahead of a motion of no confidence expected to be debated in the city council.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the party would not support any motion aimed at removing Morero, making it clear that the mayor continues to have the organisation’s backing.

“The ANC will not support the motion of no confidence vote against Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero,” he said.

Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday after the ANC’s weekend Lekgotla, Mbalula said the party is focused on maintaining stability as it prepares for the upcoming local government elections. He added that the ANC has been engaging coalition partners to resolve governance disagreements, stressing that the party will not allow partners to dictate who should occupy the mayoral position.

[WATCH LIVE ] ANC SG, Cde Fikile Mbalula delivers outcomes of the #ANCNECLekgotla https://t.co/xu2CsRdRhI

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) January 29, 2026

The motion of no confidence was tabled by minority parties within the council, notably Al Jama-ah, and is expected to be debated in an upcoming council sitting.

According to SABC News, Al Jama-ah brought the motion forward with the backing of some partners frustrated with aspects of Morero’s leadership.

Morero’s leadership has been repeatedly tested in recent months. In a previous motion brought by the Democratic Alliance (DA), the mayor survived the vote with coalition support.

Official results showed 144 councillors voted against his removal, while 75 supported it and 43 abstained, meaning the motion did not pass.

“The motion does not pass,” council Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu announced after the vote, reflecting the coalition’s strength at that time.

Al Jama-ah councillor, Kabelo Gwamanda has written to the speaker of Council in the city of Johannesburg, Margaret Arnolds requesting that the forthcoming Motion of No Confidence against Mayor, Dada Morero be conducted by means of a secret ballot. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/grGRWoMVzf

— Natasha Nokuthula Phiri (@NatashaN_Phiri) January 27, 2026

ActionSA, however, has taken a different stance, confirming it will abstain from the vote. In a statement, the party warned against what it described as political power struggles that do not improve governance, saying there is “no clear or credible alternative plan for better government being presented”.

The party added that removing a mayor without a clear plan risks becoming “yet another round of musical chairs in the mayoralty, with no tangible benefit for residents”.

ActionSA further argued that Johannesburg’s governance crisis should not be reduced to leadership changes alone, but should instead focus on a clear programme to improve service delivery and stabilise the city’s administration.