Introduction
Sello Enoch Dada Morero is a prominent South African politician who is currently serving his second term as the Mayor of Johannesburg, one of the largest cities in South Africa. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Dada Morero’s personal and professional life and achievements through various sections covering his early life and background, political career highlights, personal life and family, net worth and other interesting facts.
Early Life and Background
Dada Morero was born in 1967 in Soweto, Johannesburg. Soweto is one of the largest townships in South Africa and was formed as a result of the apartheid policy which segregated different racial groups. Morero grew up in Orlando West Extension, just a few kilometers from the homes of iconic South African leaders Nelson Mandela and Andrew Mlangeni.
He comes from a family of five children and was raised by his parents. Not much is known about his early childhood and education. However, it is evident that he received a solid upbringing in Soweto during the turbulent times of apartheid in South Africa. The challenging environment likely played a role in shaping his commitment to the anti-apartheid cause and serving the people in his later political career.
Beginning of Political Career
Morero began his career in the public service sector by joining the South African Secret Service. He worked diligently and demonstrated his leadership skills which helped him climb the ranks. After a few years, he transitioned to local politics and joined the African National Congress (ANC), which remained the prominent anti-apartheid opposition movement even after Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990.
Within the ANC, Morero steadily grew in stature over the years by serving in various positions. He was elected as the ANC Regional Chairperson for the Greater Johannesburg area, one of the largest regions in South Africa comprising multiple municipalities including the city of Johannesburg. This showed the faith and trust the party had placed in his leadership abilities at a strategic level.
Highlights as Mayor of Johannesburg
In 2022, Morero’s political career reached new heights when he was appointed as the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg for a short period from September to October. After local elections in August 2024, he was once again elected to the same position, becoming the first person to be re-elected Mayor of Joburg.
Some highlights of Mayor Morero’s tenure so far include:
- Launching an ambitious plan to upgrade bulk infrastructure and service delivery in townships to address the lingering impacts of apartheid spatial development
- Prioritizing initiatives to reduce unemployment, promote local businesses and boost economic development in the city through various incentives and programs
- Strong focus on tackling crime and violence through community engagement and boosting police resources
- Progress in clearing housing backlogs and speeding up low-cost housing construction projects
- Advocating for more powers and funds to be devolved to cities from higher levels of government to accelerate development
With his second term underway, Morero will be looking to build on these early efforts to truly transform Johannesburg into a more equitable and prosperous city for all its residents.
Personal Life and Family
Away from the world of politics, Morero enjoys spending quality time with his family. He has been married to his wife Kgomotso for many years and the couple has five children together – three daughters and two sons.
The Morero family continues to reside in Soweto, keeping touch with their township roots. Dada Morero’s family and community upbringing have been a guiding force for his principled leadership style that champions the needs of ordinary South Africans, especially those from marginalized communities.
Notable Recognition and Appointments
- Awarded honorary doctorate degree from University of Johannesburg for his outstanding public service and leadership.
- Selected to participate in the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship program for young African leaders by the United States government.
- Appointed as Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance in the City of Johannesburg in 2011.
- Served two terms as ANC Regional Treasurer prior to becoming Regional Chairperson.
- Received commendation from Nelson Mandela Foundation for empowering young people in Johannesburg townships.
- Regularly features among the list of most influential Africans shaping the continent’s future by reputed magazines.
Estimated Net Worth
As one of the highest political office holders in South Africa’s economic hub, Dada Morero has been able to amass a sizable personal fortune over the decades. However, his actual net worth is not publicly available as South African politicians are not legally required to disclose their assets.
Making an estimate based on his multiple leadership roles, honors, investments and savings over a long career, Dada Morero’s current net worth is speculated to be in the range of R30-40 million (equivalent to $2-2.5 million). A major portion of his wealth is likely derived from his mayoral salaries and other sources of remuneration from the city of Johannesburg. He also owns sizeable properties across the city.
Concluding Remarks
Dada Morero truly epitomizes the value of perseverance and dedication towards public service. From humble beginnings in Soweto, he has gradually but steadily risen the ranks of local politics through competence and leadership skills. Now as the Mayor of Africa’s largest city for the second time, he remains committed to fulfilling the vision of a prosperous, equitable and just South Africa for all as outlined in the Freedom Charter.
Morero also continues to serve as an inspiration for many aspiring young leaders in the township by demonstrating how local community roots need not be a hindrance but a motivation for greater achievements. Under his able stewardship over the coming years, Johannesburg is poised to make significant progress on key socio-economic benchmarks.
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