Joburg Mayor’s R80K Salary Increase Sparks Debate

The recent proposal to increase the salary of Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero, by R80,000 has ignited a heated debate among residents, politicians, and analysts. As the City of Johannesburg grapples with pressing service delivery challenges, questions have arisen regarding the timing and justification of this salary adjustment.

This article explores the arguments for and against the salary increase, the broader financial context of the city, and the potential implications for Johannesburg’s future.

Overview of the Salary Increase Proposal

Three months after taking office, Mayor Dada Morero is in line for a salary increase. The proposal suggests increasing his annual salary from R1,501,351 to R1,585,052 for the 2023-2024 financial year. This proposal is not limited to the mayor alone; it includes other city officials. The Speaker of Council, Nobuhle Mthembu, may see her salary rise from R1,212,520 to R1,280,117. Members of the Mayoral Committee, committee chairpersons, and ordinary councillors are also expected to benefit from similar hikes, with committee chairs earning up to R1,108,610 and ordinary councillors R593,610.

While the proposal has gained support from a significant number of councillors—146 voted in favor while 70 abstained—the final decision is pending approval from the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Jacob Mamabolo.

Arguments Against the Salary Increase

Opposition to the proposed salary hikes is strong, particularly from the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg. DA caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku voiced the party’s concerns, pointing out the city’s ongoing service delivery failures and financial struggles.

Service Delivery Failures:
- The City of Johannesburg has faced mounting criticism over its inability to provide reliable services to its residents. Persistent water shortages, malfunctioning traffic lights, and inadequate street lighting have left many feeling neglected. These problems have not only affected daily life but also contributed to safety concerns, such as increased risks of accidents and opportunistic crimes.
Financial Constraints:
- The city’s financial health is under pressure, as evidenced by a legal dispute with Eskom over unpaid debts. Moreover, Johannesburg is in the process of securing a new office space for municipal staff due to the unsuitable conditions of the current Metro Centre. The DA argues that funds should be redirected toward addressing these urgent issues rather than rewarding councillors and officials.
Perception of Misplaced Priorities:
- Critics believe that approving salary increases during a period of widespread dissatisfaction with service delivery sends the wrong message to the public. Some suggest that the city’s leadership should focus on delivering tangible improvements before considering salary enhancements.

Support for the Salary Increase

Despite the opposition, there are those who defend the proposed pay hikes, primarily from the African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg. Regional spokesperson Masilo Serekele has argued that the proposed increases are justified, even suggesting that they are modest in comparison to inflation and rising living costs.

Below-Inflation Adjustments:
- According to Serekele, the proposed three percent salary increase is below the current inflation rate. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) gazetted the new salary levels in October 2024, aligning them with economic realities. Inflation has averaged around 4% recently, dropping to 2.8% last month, making the increase seem reasonable to some.
Retention of Talent:
- Supporters of the increase argue that competitive salaries are essential to attract and retain competent individuals in public office. They believe that failing to adjust salaries in line with inflation could deter qualified professionals from pursuing roles in local government.

Public Perception and Political Analysis

The debate over the salary increases has not only divided political parties but also elicited reactions from political analysts. Dirk Kotze, a political analyst from the University of South Africa (Unisa), suggests that salary increases for political office bearers should not be a priority. According to Kotze, the mayor’s position is a public service role, not a traditional career, and any salary adjustments should be approached with caution.

Kotze further highlights that Mayor Dada Morero, having recently taken office, has not yet had the opportunity to prove his effectiveness. He warns that rewarding a new mayor with a salary increase could potentially create a perception of entitlement and could damage public trust.

Balancing Financial Responsibility with Fair Compensation

The ongoing debate highlights the broader issue of how to balance financial responsibility with fair compensation for city officials. On one hand, local government leaders argue that salary adjustments are necessary to reflect the economic environment and maintain the quality of governance. On the other hand, critics insist that any financial decisions should be made with careful consideration of the city’s pressing needs and strained resources.

Johannesburg’s current situation—with service delivery concerns, financial constraints, and an increasing demand for accountability—makes the timing of this salary proposal particularly contentious. Residents and political observers alike are questioning whether city officials should be rewarded before they have effectively addressed the challenges facing the city.

A Divided Future

The debate over Mayor Dada Morero’s R80,000 salary increase reflects deeper frustrations within Johannesburg. It raises essential questions about the city’s priorities, the accountability of its leadership, and the efficacy of its service delivery. As the final decision lies with Cogta, the outcome will likely set a precedent for how the city handles similar issues in the future.

Whatever the decision, it is clear that Johannesburg’s leaders must navigate these turbulent waters carefully. They need to strike a balance between fair compensation and fiscal prudence, all while ensuring that the city’s resources are directed toward the urgent needs of its residents. Only time will tell whether the decision to increase salaries will stand, and if it does, how it will impact the city’s ongoing efforts to regain the trust of its citizens.