Kamogelo Moichela|Published
Johannesburg mayoral candidate Dada Morero has vowed to press ahead with the ANC’s plan to turn around the embattled city if re-elected, despite mounting criticism over failing services, crumbling infrastructure and financial mismanagement.
Speaking at the IOL 2026 Town Hall debate at Joburg Theatre on Monday, Morero reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its recovery plan ahead of the November 4 local government elections.
“We will continue with the plan that we have,” he said.
The strategy focuses on reclaiming the inner city, restoring public trust, improving service delivery and strengthening the municipality’s finances.
These are priorities that will test the ANC’s ability to convince voters it can reverse Johannesburg’s decline.
But the pledge comes as the governing coalition faces intense scrutiny over persistent municipal failures.
Opposition parties, civic organisations and national leaders have raised concerns about deteriorating services and financial management, putting the city’s administration under pressure before voters head to the polls.
Morero has also faced criticism over his failure to fulfil a high-profile promise to stabilise Johannesburg’s water supply within seven days, raising further questions about the city’s capacity to respond swiftly to residents’ needs.
Meanwhile, sewage infrastructure continues to come under strain, with reported overflows and raw sewage spills affecting areas including Soweto and Lenasia.
Damaged roads, persistent potholes and broken streetlights have added to residents’ frustrations. Civic groups, including the Joburg Crisis Alliance, have cited these problems as evidence of municipal neglect.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics