Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has dismissed claims that his administration employed social media influencers to promote the city’s achievements, addressing the allegations during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The controversy erupted following the opening of a new clinic in Naledi, Soweto, when several social media posts praising Morero and the city’s efforts drew both support and scepticism from residents. Critics accused the mayor of orchestrating a paid campaign to bolster his image, a charge he firmly rejected.
“I would like to assure the residents of Johannesburg that I do have a communications team that has been doing their work, and I believe they have not hired any form of influencers to hype our activities,” Morero said. “If anything, my communications team would have communicated that there was such an incident.”
The mayor emphasised his administration’s focus on delivering tangible results rather than relying on public relations stunts. “I believe we are at work to ensure that we have a functional city and that problems faced by the residents be addressed,” he added.
The allegations surfaced after a series of posts on X appeared to celebrate the clinic’s opening in Soweto’s Region D, Ward 14. User @qwabe_irvin wrote, “Joburg residents deserve efficient service delivery, and that’s exactly what Mayor Dada Morero is committed to. A city that works for its people!” Similarly, @rivo_iris praised the mayor, stating, “Our very own Mayor Dada Morero making good on his promise to build a new clinic today is the official opening of the new Naledi Clinic… one deed at a time will get Johannesburg back to its glory!!”
Another user, @Sizzle_Diva, tweeted, “Johannesburg Major Dada Morero has done a good job in Soweto. The official opening of the new Naledi clinic in Region D – WARD 14.”
However, not all reactions were positive. @nomsa_md accused the mayor of relying on orchestrated praise, writing, “Please stop pushing influencer campaigns, Morero, they’re not effective in your case. Instead, focus on earning genuine praise from residents through real, tangible improvements in their daily lives. Actions speak louder than words!!!”
In response, Morero categorically denied any involvement in hiring influencers and extended the denial to the City of Johannesburg as a whole. “We built a clinic in Soweto and we don’t need influencers. We don’t need influencers, I repeat, I did not give out that instruction,” he said.
The mayor challenged those making the allegations to provide concrete evidence. “I urge those with information related to the claims to come forward and provide them with proof,” he stated.
The opening of the Naledi clinic marks one of several infrastructure projects undertaken by the city, with Morero insisting that his administration’s work should speak for itself. As Johannesburg grapples with service delivery challenges, the mayor’s comments reflect a determination to shift the narrative towards practical outcomes over public perception.
The City of Johannesburg has yet to release an official statement addressing the social media posts, but Morero’s remarks signal a firm stance against the accusations as he seeks to maintain public trust.
