Joburg Mayor Dada Morero has denied reports that he is uncomfortable with the proposed appointment of the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) Liam Jacobs as the city’s new MMC for Transport.

The position became vacant following the resignation of controversial PA deputy leader Kenny Kunene last month. 

Kunene stepped down after being linked to an alleged criminal syndicate involving Katiso “KT” Molefe, who has been accused of masterminding the 2022 murder of popular musician Oupa John Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody.

Sefoka and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, were killed in a hail of bullets in Woodmead, Johannesburg, in November 2022.

Jacobs, a 24-year-old PA member and former Democratic Alliance MP, was sworn in as a councillor last Friday, replacing Kunene.

The PA has reportedly insisted that Jacobs should also inherit the Transport portfolio, in line with the coalition agreement.

The party also declared Jacobs as its mayoral candidate for the City of Tshwane in the 2026 elections.

However, reports have surfaced suggesting divisions within the African National Congress (ANC)-led coalition over Jacobs’ appointment, with some questioning his lack of experience in local government.

Addressing the media on Thursday during a briefing on the city’s finances, Morero dismissed the speculation.

“I will make an announcement in due course about who will assume the position of MMC for Transport,” he said. 

“I believe the mayor (referring to himself) should be given space to finalise this. A week before last, I appointed Councillor Masuku as MMC for Finance, and last week, I finalised the appointment of Councillor Sithembiso Zungu as MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services.”

“In no time, I will finalise the MMC for Transport. So, we will do so,” Morero said, adding that he is currently acting in the role.

He described the claims as “rumours” and declined to respond further on the matter.

Last week, IOL News reported that Morero had reshuffled his mayoral committee, appointing Loyiso Masuku as MMC for Finance and ANC councillor Sithembiso Zungu to the Shared Services portfolio.

Masuku replaces Margaret Arnolds of the African Independent Congress (AIC), who was re-elected as Speaker of Council last month. 

Arnolds had replaced ActionSA’s Nobuhle Mthembu, who was ousted in a motion of no confidence in June.

Zungu, the council whip, took over Masuku’s former portfolio.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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