The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) to elects the deputy mayor on Thursday.
Image: Nhlanhla Phillips / Independent Newspapers
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) will on Thursday appoint a deputy mayor in a high-stakes council sitting where Mayor Dada Morero is also facing a motion of no confidence.
ANC insiders have identified Loyiso Masuku, the party’s newly elected regional chairperson, as the leading candidate for the deputy mayor position.
Her potential appointment is seen as an effort by the governing party to consolidate authority within the executive at a time of internal and external pressure.
Morero previously survived a motion of no confidence after the ANC successfully argued for the vote to be conducted by secret ballot, citing Rule 18 of council’s Standing Rules and Orders.
The secret ballot shielded councillors from party-political pressure and enabled Morero to retain office.
However, council rules do not explicitly provide for secret ballots in motions of no confidence or removal proceedings, nor do they grant the speaker authority to approve one.
As a result, Thursday’s vote is expected to take place openly.
Opposition parties are lobbying smaller parties and disgruntled ANC councillors in an attempt to secure a majority.
The DA has previously tabled a similar motion against Morero, but without success. The outcome will depend on whether opposition parties can shift the numbers in council.
The creation of the deputy mayor post has also drawn scrutiny.
The position is expected to cost more than R1.2 million annually.
The move follows a 2023 letter from Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Mzi Khumalo urging council to consider strengthening executive continuity.
The proposal was delayed due to leadership changes.
City officials say the role will replace an existing MMC position to limit additional costs and will mirror the governance structure of the City of Tshwane, where the deputy mayor also holds the finance portfolio.
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