Dada Morero is the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, a position he has held since August 2024. Before becoming Executive Mayor, Cllr Morero served as Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance from 2023 to 2024. He was Regional Secretary of the African National Congress in the Greater Johannesburg Region from 2011 to 2022 and Regional Chairperson from 2022 to 2025. Internationally, he serves as President of the Global Fund for Cities Development (FMDV). He holds a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from SOAS, University of London. See his bio here.

Dada Morero was in conversation with CDE executive director, Ann Bernstein, to discuss what it will take to turn Johannesburg around. The conversation explored the challenges facing the city and the priorities for a new administration.

How bad is the current situation in the city and its administration? What will it require to get the city out of its current multiplicity of crises?

Ahead of the 2026 local government elections, Ann Bernstein will host separate conversations with the Johannesburg mayoral candidates of the two largest parties to discuss how they see Joburg’s future and what is required to restore effective governance, improve service delivery and strengthen the city’s economy.

For over 30 years, CDE has influenced policy in South Africa’s democracy. We are a unique development policy think tank and prominent public ‘voice’ promoting economic growth, employment, skills development, enterprise and better managed cities in South Africa. We have built a wide network throughout the country and with leading global experts and think tanks, especially in democratic developing countries.

CDE’s Johannesburg Matters: Fixing South Africa’s growth engine project focuses on what it will take to turn around South Africa’s most important city. Drawing on extensive research and engagement with business leaders, civil society and experts, the project sets out the reforms and priorities needed to rebuild Johannesburg’s institutions, improve the delivery of essential services and restore the city as a driver of national economic growth.