Joburg mayor Dada Morero led an enforcement operation on 10 December 2025 that closed an illegal brothel and a non-compliant liquor outlet in Johannesburg. This Dada Morero brothel raid uncovered 84,000 packets of free Department of Health condoms being sold at the sites. These condoms were meant for public distribution, and their sale violated South African public health laws.
Morero stated that the city aims to combat crime by targeting supporting infrastructure. The teams confiscated the condoms and shut down the operations immediately, marking a successful outcome of the Dada Morero brothel raid.
This action follows similar crackdowns in Tshwane, where officials recently closed brothels like Ipi Ntombi and raided a Bloed Street building used for sex work. The Dada Morero brothel raid is part of a broader initiative against illegal activities in the region.
Political Pressure Mounts After ANC Conference Loss
Joburg mayor Dada Morero faces calls for resignation after losing his bid for ANC Johannesburg regional chairperson on around 4-6 December 2025. Loyiso Masuku won the position, leading the ANCYL in Johannesburg to demand Morero step down, citing potential dual power centres.
Traditionally, the regional chairperson becomes the ANC’s mayoral candidate. However, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula rejected these calls, urging focus on regaining support rather than positions. “We are not in power in Johannesburg; the task of the Regional Executive Committee that has just been elected should be fighting to get the ANC back, not getting rid of Dada,” Mbalula said, according to The Citizen. The Dada Morero brothel raid, despite its success, has not dampened the political pressure on Morero.
He criticised the party’s culture of chasing power and emphasised preparing for the 2026 local elections. The conference faced allegations of vote-buying and process issues, leaving the ANC divided.
ANC Leaders Respond to Resignation Demands
Mbalula condemned the preoccupation with mayoral changes, calling it a distraction from rebuilding the ANC. He noted that Morero’s mayoral role resulted from coalition favours, as the ANC lacks outright control in Johannesburg.
No confirmation emerged on potential national ANC leaders as mayoral candidates for 2026.
