Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero delivered his first State of the City Address on Wednesday, pledging bold reforms, but opposition parties say words must be matched with action.
- Mayor Dada Morero outlines Johannesburg’s turnaround plan at his first State of the City Address.
- Pledges include energy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and a “Bomb Squad” task team.
- DA tables a motion of no confidence, citing service delivery collapse and lack of leadership.
Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero, delivered his first State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Connie Bapela Council Chambers in Braamfontein on May 7, committing to tackle service delivery failures, economic instability, and declining infrastructure – but opposition parties were unconvinced.
Morero outlined a “turnaround plan” that includes informal settlement electrification, inner-city revitalisation, and the creation of a “Bomb Squad”.
“In military language, a bomb squad has the responsibility of examining and removing bombs that are found and to prevent them from exploding. This COJ (City of Johannesburg) bomb squad must remove constraints that are impacting on the city’s ability to create the Joburg we want to see,” said Morero.
For Ross Hooper from the Democratic Alliance (DA), the address was a vague “wishlist,” lacking substance or clear timelines. They also confirmed that they have tabled a motion of no confidence in Morero, citing political mismanagement and collapse of municipal services. “The city needs leadership, not speeches,” he said.
Chris Rohlssen from the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) echoed these sentiments, warning that past promises have failed to materialise. “The mayor speaks well, but we want delivery, not just words,” said Rohlssen.
Despite criticism, Morero defended his administration’s plans to stabilise finances and cut reliance on Eskom through energy reforms. He framed his address as a call to build “One City driven by its people.”
No ordinary residents of Johannesburg were present at the address. The State of the City debate is expected to follow on May 8.
FEATURED IMAGE: Councillors gathered at the Connie Bapela Council Chambers during the 2025 State of the City Address in Johannesburg. Photo: Likho Mbuka
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