Morero under siege

VOTE: SEVERAL COUNCILLORS 'FROM OUTSIDE DA WANT MAYOR REMOVED'

- Itumeleng Mafisa

Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero may face adversaries beyond those in the opposition benches when his position comes under scrutiny this week. Morero and council speaker Nobuhle Mthembu face motions of no confidence, which have been placed on the agenda for today and tomorrow.

The Joburg council will vote at the Connie Bapela chambers, where 270 councillors are expected to attend. The DA needs 136 votes to get Morero out.

As the race towards the ANC regional elective conference next month heats up, party factions may use the opportunity to weaken Morero's position.

They may push for a secret ballot, with DA Joburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku telling The Citizen several councillors from outside the DA have approached her and want Morero removed.

"They told us they would support the motion, but would like to remain anonymous," she said.

Asked if these included ANC members, Kayser-Echeozonjoku declined to comment.