On the morning of March 11, the MK Party issued a statement expressing deep concern over the deteriorating state of the City of Johannesburg. The party went on to say that the ANC’s leadership, particularly Mayor Dada Morero, must be held accountable for the ongoing failure to provide essential services to the citizens of this critical economic hub. Mayor Morero’s recent admission that he is unable to turn the city around or deliver basic services has raised serious concerns among South Africans, including political parties such as the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party). In his comments, the mayor called on President Cyril Ramaphosa and the national government for assistance, accentuating the severity of the crisis at the municipal level.
The MK Party’s concerns are not without merit. The ANC, which has deployed approximately 80% of public servants across national, provincial, and local government sectors, as well as state-owned enterprises (SOEs), is now facing a crisis of leadership and competence. The incompetence displayed by many within the ANC ranks has led to a governance structure that struggles to meet the demands of a growing population and a rapidly evolving economy.
This issue is further compounded by the Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias in which individuals with limited expertise overestimate their own competence. Within the ANC’s leadership, this results in unqualified individuals retaining key positions and making critical decisions that affect millions.
The Dunning-Kruger effect, first introduced in 1999 by David Dunning and Justin Kruger, suggests that individuals with the least skill or knowledge in a given area are often the least aware of their own deficiencies. This leads to a dangerous cycle where incompetent individuals believe they are competent, failing to recognise both their own limitations and those of their colleagues. This systemic leadership failure has plagued the ANC, particularly in crucial positions like the mayoral office in Johannesburg, one of Africa’s most significant urban centers.
Mayor Morero’s recent admission of his inability to lead Johannesburg effectively, coupled with the public’s diminishing confidence in his leadership, should serve as a crucial wake-up call for the ANC. However, the MK Party argues that a party with integrity would have swiftly relieved the mayor of his duties. Instead, the ANC continues to stand by its decision to appoint Morero, a candidate selected from a pool of “best candidates” during a process led by the party’s top leadership. This raises a critical question:
if the ANC’s leadership is unable to properly assess the competence of its own members, how can it be trusted to govern effectively at the national level?
The ANC’s response to Johannesburg’s crisis further exposes the dysfunction within the party. Despite the glaring failures, there appears to be no concrete plan to address the city’s issues. The ANC’s constant reliance on national government intervention to resolve local issues raises concerns about the party’s commitment to decentralizing power and giving municipalities the tools they need to thrive. According to the Constitution and Structures Act, there is no provision for the creation of a task team to intervene in such matters. However, given the urgency of the situation, the national government must step in to stabilize the city and prevent further deterioration.
The situation in Johannesburg is not just a political issue; but rather a crisis that affects the livelihoods of millions. The city’s infrastructure is crumbling, basic services such as water and electricity are unreliable, and the economy is struggling to recover from years of mismanagement. The ANC must be held accountable for these failures, and the party’s leadership needs to reflect on the consequences of appointing individuals who lack the necessary skills and experience to manage critical sectors. If the ANC cannot demonstrate a commitment to good governance and effective leadership, it risks losing the trust of the people it is meant to serve.
The MK Party’s concerns regarding Mayor Dada Morero’s leadership are legitimate, and the ANC must take immediate and decisive action to address the ongoing crisis in Johannesburg. It is imperative that the party confronts the stark reality of its leadership deficiencies and makes the necessary changes to restore effective governance. The city of Johannesburg, as one of Africa’s most significant economic hubs, cannot afford further mismanagement.
The people of Johannesburg deserve better, they deserve competent leadership that is capable of delivering essential services and improving their quality of life. The ANC must be held accountable for the city’s deteriorating state and its persistent failures. It is time for the party to step up, acknowledge its shortcomings, and take concrete steps to bring about meaningful change, not only for Johannesburg but for the country as a whole.
