The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng condemns the conduct of City of
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero, who was captured insulting a resident
during a City Power community imbizo in Tshepisong.
The engagement was intended to give residents an opportunity to raise concerns about electricity and service delivery
with the City’s leadership.
City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero photo supplied
During the exchange, Morero objected to being called a “criminal”, warned the
resident not to repeat the allegation, and told him that he/she was “talking sh*t”.
This conduct is unbecoming of an Executive Mayor, it reflects poor leadership, failure to exercise the restraint and respect expected of a public representative.
City Power community imbizo in Tshepisong photos supplied
Residents have the right to criticise elected officials and demand answers about service delivery, and such criticism may at times not be perfectly delivered.
Community imbizos must provide a safe and respectful platform for such engagement, not become spaces where residents are humiliated or verbally attacked for expressing their frustrations.
This incident is especially concerning as communities across Johannesburg continue
to face serious service-delivery challenges.
Residents need responsive leadership that
listens to their concerns and provides solutions, rather than political office-bearers who respond to criticism with insults.
Johannesburg deserves leadership that is respectful, accountable and composed
under pressure.
This is the standard represented by the EFF Mayoral Candidate for the City of Johannesburg, Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, whose approach places dignity, accountability and service to residents at the centre of municipal government.
The EFF Gauteng demands that Mayor Morero immediately and unreservedly apologise to the resident he insulted, the community of Tshepisong and the residents of Johannesburg.
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