ANC Condemns Dada Morero’s Behaviour Towards Elderly Resident, Describes It As Fundamentally Un-ANC

• The African National Congress Greater Johannesburg Region has weighed in on Mayor Dada Morero's recent utterance
• Morero insulted an elderly resident during a meeting with the community after she repeatedly called him a criminal
• The ANC also released a statement about the resident's characterisation of Morero as a criminal

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online

GAUTENG - The African National Congress Greater Johannesburg Region has formally distanced itself from Mayor Dada Morero’s comments, following a heated confrontation with an elderly resident.

Morero’s actions have been described by the ANC as incompatible with the movement's values. Morero insulted the resident during an electricity imbizo in Tshepisong, west of Johannesburg, on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

During the meeting, a resident repeatedly accused the mayor of being a criminal. Morero responded by telling her: "You are talking s**t." Video clips of the exchange spread rapidly across social media platforms. You can watch it below.

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ANC invokes Ubuntu in rebuke of Morero

In a statement released on Thursday night, the regional ANC acknowledged Morero's subsequent public apology but made clear it was not sufficient to excuse the behaviour.

"The ANC unequivocally distances itself from conduct that is disrespectful, insulting or demeaning towards an elderly person. Such conduct is fundamentally un-ANC and inconsistent with the values, principles and political culture of our movement," the party said.

The statement invoked Ubuntu as the basis for its criticism, arguing that political leaders are obligated to treat community members with dignity and patience, especially the elderly.

While condemning the mayor's response, the ANC also came to his defence over the criminal accusation that triggered the confrontation. The party drew a distinction between legitimate criticism of public officials and what it characterised as baseless attacks on Morero's character.

"We vehemently reject and condemn the abuse of freedom of expression and other constitutional rights to make reckless, unfounded and defamatory allegations against the executive Mayor, including the irresponsible characterisation of him as a criminal," the statement read.

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Other articles about Morero

• The City of Johannesburg has demolished a cluster of illegal structures erected behind the Johannesburg High Court.
• The African National Congress in Johannesburg resolved to recall Dada Morero as the city’s mayor.
• The African National Congress in Johannesburg elected another chairperson, replacing Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero.

Source: Briefly News