In an unusual turn of events, DAs Joburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku has come to the defence of mayor Dada Morero, saying she believes a change of mayorship removing him is not the solution to the declining city.
This comes after a petition launched on Monday with more than 13,000 signatures calling for Moreros removal just over a week after his appointment, in contest with Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
Morero came under fire after suggesting the city should hire foreigners as JMPD officers to address language barriers when dealing with foreign suspects. He was later forced to retract his statement after public outrage and a push from ANC Gauteng leaders.
We, South Africans, petition for the recall of the current mayor of Johannesburg due to his lack of leadership and vision for the city, the petition read.
It further made reference to Moreros lack of commitment to serving the people, citing the road damaged by a gas explosion in Lilian Ngoyi Street in the Joburg CBD, and the crisis of hijacked buildings.
