2024 another year of political instability for CoJ, with frequent leadership changes
The ANC took back control of the country's economic hub through the assistance of smaller parties. This saw the party’s regional chairperson, Dada Morero, being elected mayor.
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero during a press briefing at the Johannesburg Water head offices in Newtown, Johannesburg on 11 November 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - It's been yet another year of political instability in the City of Johannesburg, with frequent changes in the metro's leadership.
The African National Congress (ANC) took back control of the country's economic hub through the assistance of smaller parties.
This saw ANC regional chairperson, Dada Morero, being elected mayor.
Morero, who served as mayor for just a month back in 2022 before the courts overturned the sitting that elected him to the post, took over from the embattled Kabelo Gwamanda.
Gwamanda is now facing charges of fraud and corruption stemming from allegations before he became a councillor in the city.
Since 2016, Johannesburg residents have experienced uncertainty when it comes to the running of their city.
Johannesburg has had at least nine different mayors, with the incumbent Morero and Dr Mpho Phalatse being handed the mayoral chain at least twice in recent years.
Morero was elected to office following the general elections this year, taking over from Gwamanda.
"When we say we love Johannesburg, we really mean our words. Joburg is our first love. It is a love like no other. It remains protection and guidance."
While Morero hopes to remain in office until the next local government elections, his first few months in office have been marred in controversy.
This included criticism over his suggestion that foreign nationals should be recruited as officials in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
He's since apologised and retracted the proposal.