Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero on Wednesday again dismissed claims suggesting that the City paid influencers to promote and hype their work especially after officially opening a clinic in Soweto last week.

“There has never been an instruction from me around the issue of influencers. As I make it clear, I have never made an instruction on the matter,” he said.

Morero cleared his name during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The mayor said that if anything, his communications team would have communicated that there was such an incident.

“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,” he maintained.

"I believe we are at work to ensure that we have a functional city and that problems faced by the residents be addressed."

The allegations come after social media posts that seemed to be praising Morero and the City’s work were met with criticism by users who condemned him.

This was after Morero opened a clinic in Naledi Soweto.

@qwabe_irvin said: “Joburg residents deserve efficient service delivery, and that’s exactly what Mayor Dada Morero is committed to. A city that works for its people!”

@rivo_iris said: “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 in Region D, Ward 14… one deed at a time will get Johannesburg back to its glory!!”

While @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, another described this as pushing a campaign.

@nomsa_md said: “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!!!”

Morero denied all the allegations and also cleared the City.

“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.

He further urged those with information related to the claims to come forward and provide them with proof.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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Joburg Mayor Dada Morero denies paying influencers to promote his work