Sello Enoch Dada Morero is a name that has become synonymous with the turbulent politics of Johannesburg. From serving a brief term as mayor to holding influential positions within the African National Congress (ANC), Morero’s political journey is marked by key moments and milestones.
Here are 21 things you should know about him:
- Full Name: Sello Enoch Dada Morero is the full name of the politician commonly known as Dada Morero.
- Date of Birth: His exact date of birth remains undisclosed, but he is a notable figure in South African politics, particularly in Johannesburg.
- Brief Tenure as Mayor: Morero served as the Mayor of Johannesburg for just 25 days, from 30 September 2022 to 25 October 2022.
- ANC Regional Chairperson: He is the regional chairperson of the ANC in Johannesburg, a position that has allowed him to wield significant influence in the city’s political landscape.
- Former Student Leader: Morero’s political journey began in his youth when he served as a leader in the Congress of the South African Students (COSAS).
- Two-Term ANC Regional Secretary: Before becoming the regional chairperson, Morero served two terms as the regional secretary of the ANC in Johannesburg.
- Narrow Victory for Chairmanship: On 5 June 2022, Morero won the ANC’s regional chairperson election, defeating Eunice Mgcina by a narrow margin of 153 votes to 143.
- Rise to Mayorship: Morero became the Mayor of Johannesburg following the collapse of the DA-led coalition government in the city and the subsequent ousting of DA Mayor Mpho Phalatse.
- Coalition Dynamics: His election as mayor was made possible with the support of former DA coalition partners, including the Patriotic Alliance and the Congress of the People.
- Sworn in as Mayor: Morero was officially sworn into office as the Mayor of Johannesburg on 1 October 2022, just a day after his election.
- Unlawful Election: Morero’s tenure as mayor was short-lived. On 25 October 2022, the South Gauteng High Court ruled that his election was unlawful, reinstating Mpho Phalatse as the mayor.
- Role in ANC: Beyond his brief tenure as mayor, Morero continues to play a pivotal role in the ANC’s regional politics in Johannesburg.
- Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance: After Phalatse was ousted again in January 2023, Morero was appointed as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance by then-Mayor Thapelo Amad.
- Consistency in Leadership: Despite the changes in mayors, Morero retained his position as MMC for Finance when Kabelo Gwamanda took over as mayor in May 2023.
- Influence in City Finances: As the MMC for Finance, Morero is responsible for overseeing the financial management and budget of Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s largest cities.
- Strategic Politician: Morero is known for his strategic approach to politics, often navigating complex coalition dynamics to maintain influence in Johannesburg’s government.
- Advocate for ANC Policies: Throughout his political career, Morero has been a staunch advocate for the policies and principles of the ANC, particularly in urban governance.
- Background in COSAS: His leadership in COSAS during his student years laid the foundation for his involvement in broader political movements and the ANC.
- Close Ties with ANC Leadership: Morero’s positions within the ANC have allowed him to build strong connections with key figures in the party, both regionally and nationally.
- Controversial Figure: His rise to power and subsequent ousting as mayor have made him a controversial figure in Johannesburg politics, often at the center of debates and legal challenges.
- Future Ambitions: While his time as mayor was brief, Morero’s continued role in Johannesburg’s finance and ANC leadership suggests he may still have significant political ambitions in the future.
Dada Morero’s journey in South African politics is a testament to the complexities and challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing urban environment. His brief tenure as mayor, followed by his ongoing influence as the MMC for Finance, highlights his resilience and commitment to the ANC’s vision for Johannesburg. As he continues to navigate the political landscape, Dada Morero remains a key figure to watch in the city’s governance.
