Dada Morero

Dada Morero is the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, serving as a member of the African National Congress (ANC) in the city's coalition government. He heads an administration that has faced sustained criticism from opposition parties, including ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance, over governance failures, wasteful expenditure, water and electricity supply crises, and alleged political interference in municipal spending and loan allocation. His tenure has coincided with Johannesburg's deepening financial troubles, including a budget the National Treasury has deemed unfunded, unpaid debts to Eskom and water boards, and the withholding of equitable share funding by national government. Morero has publicly defended the city's record, including highlighting payments made to Eskom, while facing scrutiny over unresolved water infrastructure losses and service delivery breakdowns affecting residents in areas such as Hillbrow. He has also presided over infrastructure initiatives, including the groundbreaking of a biodigester pilot plant at the Robinson Deep landfill aimed at converting organic waste into renewable energy under the city's Integrated Biodegradable Waste Management Programme. Morero has attended intergovernmental meetings with national ministers and the Gauteng Premier to address recurring power outages affecting Rand Water's bulk water supply systems. He has been accused by opposition figures and parties of making dismissive remarks towards residents during community engagements. His administration's conduct and service delivery record have become prominent issues ahead of the November 2026 local government elections.