Who is after new mayor?

Dada’s noises about tightening up finances may upset powerful people’ in ANC.

- Brian Sokutu

The knives are out in the ANC for newly appointed Joburg mayor Dada Morero, sparked by his proposal at this week's closed ANC regional executive committee (REC) meeting that the Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) should employ foreign nationals to address a language barrier.

Sources in the party believe there is a clique of powerful people within the Gauteng region who want to bring down Morero.

The reasons for the enmity are unclear, though some feel he has made noises about tightening up finances in the municipality, which might reduce the opportunities for theft and corruption.

After a recording of Morero's suggestion was leaked to the media, he was hit with a barrage of criticism led by Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi forcing him to back down and apologise.

The infighting took a new turn yesterday when ANC veteran Mavuso Msimang refuted social media claims that he called for the sacking of the Joburg mayor.

A purported Radio 702 interview with Msimang - being discussed across social media platforms has fuelled growing speculation that some leading ANC leaders who attended the meeting were out to destroy Morero's political career - hardly two weeks in office.

Amid a barrage of criticism, which also came from Lesufi, Morero publicly apologised for his proposal.