Ballot papers found, ANC conference under scrutiny: How the Dada Morero defeat sparked a growing political storm

Fresh controversy has erupted within the African National Congress (ANC) following the discovery of ballot papers linked to the party’s Greater Johannesburg regional elective conference, placing renewed focus on Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero and the integrity of the December vote that saw him narrowly lose the regional chairperson position.

The ballot papers were allegedly discovered at a private residence in Pretoria, triggering investigations by both the South African Police Service and the ANC’s national leadership. The development has intensified internal tensions within the party, particularly as factional battles ahead of the 2027 national elective conference begin to surface more openly.

What Happened at the Johannesburg Regional Conference

The ANC’s Greater Johannesburg elective conference, held in December, ended with Loyiso Masuku defeating Dada Morero by a slim margin to become regional chairperson. Almost immediately after the conference, allegations of bribery, vote manipulation and procedural irregularities emerged from disgruntled party members.

At the time, the ANC acknowledged complaints but said internal processes would be followed to resolve the matter. The discovery of ballot papers weeks later has now escalated the issue into a full-scale political and legal controversy.

Ballot Papers Discovered at Pretoria Home

According to reports, ballot papers used during the Johannesburg conference were found opened and allegedly being destroyed at a Pretoria residence linked to the presiding officer of the December vote. Sources claim the ballots were meant to be sealed, safeguarded and returned to the ANC, raising serious questions about how they ended up at a private home.

One ANC source present at the scene alleged that attempts were being made to burn the ballots, a claim that has added to suspicions surrounding the conduct of the electoral process.

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Khumbudzo Ntshavheni Confirms ANC Report Will Be Submitted

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the ANC’s convenor of deployees in Gauteng, confirmed she was present when the ballots were discovered. She said the ANC would compile and submit a formal report to relevant party structures.

Ntshavheni stressed that it was too early to draw conclusions, emphasizing that the ANC has internal mechanisms to safeguard its democratic processes and address any weaknesses that emerge.

Factional Tensions and the Dada Morero Angle

The controversy has reignited long-standing factional tensions within the ANC’s Johannesburg region. Sources indicate that Morero’s loss was viewed by some as a setback for factions opposed to candidates aligned with Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

Supporters of Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula are disputing the conference outcome, citing irregularities in ballot design, candidate listings and the role of the electoral service provider.

A Morero ally reportedly questioned the neutrality of individuals linked to the company that oversaw the voting process, alleging undisclosed political affiliations that may have influenced the outcome.

Questions Raised About Electoral Service Provider

The Election Management Consulting Agency of Africa (EMCA), which administered the conference vote, has come under scrutiny. Critics allege potential conflicts of interest involving former and current company officials and their links to Johannesburg political structures.

EMCA has denied all allegations of misconduct, stating that its role was strictly technical and that it does not engage in political decision-making, factional processes or candidate selection.

Police and ANC Investigations Underway

Both the ANC national leadership and law enforcement authorities are now investigating how the ballot papers were handled and whether any criminal conduct occurred. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for the legitimacy of the Johannesburg regional executive committee.

For Dada Morero, the unfolding developments may yet reshape the political narrative surrounding his loss, and potentially influence future leadership battles within the ANC.

FAQ

Who is Dada Morero?

Dada Morero is the Mayor of Johannesburg and a senior ANC leader who contested the party’s regional chairperson position in December.

What happened to Dada Morero at the ANC Joburg conference?

He narrowly lost the regional chairperson race to Loyiso Masuku at the ANC’s Greater Johannesburg elective conference.

Why is the ANC Joburg conference under investigation?

Ballot papers linked to the conference were allegedly found opened at a private residence, raising concerns about election integrity.

Where were the ballot papers found?

They were reportedly discovered at a house in Pretoria connected to the presiding officer of the December conference.

Is Dada Morero accusing the ANC of rigging the vote?

While Morero has not personally made public accusations, his allies and other ANC factions are disputing the conference outcome.

What role does Khumbudzo Ntshavheni play in the matter?

She is the ANC’s Gauteng deployee convenor and confirmed a report would be submitted following the discovery of the ballots.

Could the ANC Joburg election results be overturned?

That decision rests with ANC national structures, depending on the findings of internal and police investigations.

How does this affect the ANC ahead of 2027?

The controversy highlights deepening factional divisions that could influence leadership contests ahead of the ANC’s 2027 elective conference.