Who did Loyiso Masuku defeat to become ANC Johannesburg chair?

A significant political shift is unfolding within the ANC’s Johannesburg structures following a dramatic leadership upset at the party’s 16th regional elective conference. Loyiso Masuku has emerged as the new ANC regional chairperson, defeating incumbent chair and sitting executive mayor, Dada Morero, in a contest that many insiders say will reshape the balance of power in the country’s economic hub.

Masuku secured 184 votes, while Morero trailed with 149, ending his bid to retain the powerful regional position. Her victory is historic: she becomes the first woman to lead the ANC’s Johannesburg region, long regarded as a critical battleground in party politics.

A Clean Sweep Against the Incumbent Slate

Masuku’s win was not an isolated success. Her entire slate swept the conference, leaving Morero’s camp without a single top-five position:

• Deputy Regional Chairperson: Masilo Serekele defeated Eunice Mgcina, winning 188 votes to 143.

• Regional Secretary: Sasabona Manganye retained his position with a commanding 205 votes, beating Lebohang Tshabalala.

• Deputy Regional Secretary: Lerato Bob triumphed with 187 votes to 157, defeating Johannesburg MMC for Development, Nomoya Mnisi.

• Regional Treasurer: Maxwell Nedzamba was re-elected in the most lopsided result of the day, winning 233 votes, compared to Muzi Ntshingila’s 98.

  
  
  

With 334 delegates voting, the results showed a decisive swing away from Morero’s faction, signaling deep dissatisfaction and shifting alliances ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Questions Over Morero’s Future as Mayor

The leadership shake-up immediately sparked speculation about whether Dada Morero will remain executive mayor — or whether the ANC’s internal power recalibration will cut his term short.

Masuku, when asked about Morero’s mayoral future, distanced herself from making pronouncements but pointed to the ANC’s national structure as the final authority:

“The issue of deployment as it relates to the executive mayor falls under the ANC’s national leadership,” she said. “The national office bearers are the competent structure to determine deployments.”

Her remarks have fueled concerns that Johannesburg could be heading toward yet another leadership change, adding to the volatility that has defined municipal governance in recent years.

Conference Tainted by Bribery Allegations

Although the conference concluded with clear outcomes, it was overshadowed by claims of bribery and vote-buying, reportedly involving individuals seeking political control of the regional leadership for the next three years. These allegations highlight internal fractures within the ANC’s Johannesburg region — tensions that analysts warn could weaken the party’s campaign machinery ahead of next year’s polls.

The ANC’s Johannesburg region remains one of the organisation’s most contested and influential structures. With Masuku at the helm, the coming months will reveal whether the party can consolidate or whether internal rivalries will further erode its standing in the City of Gold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who is Loyiso Masuku?
A1: Loyiso Masuku is the newly elected ANC Johannesburg regional chairperson and the first woman to hold this position. She won the role by defeating incumbent Dada Morero.

Q2: Who did Loyiso Masuku defeat to become ANC Johannesburg chair?
A2: She defeated Dada Morero, the incumbent ANC regional chair and executive mayor of Johannesburg, by 184 votes to 149.

Q3: What positions were contested at the ANC Johannesburg regional conference?
A3: Key positions included Regional Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Regional Secretary, Deputy Regional Secretary, and Regional Treasurer. Masuku’s entire slate won these top leadership positions.

Q4: What is the significance of Masuku’s victory?
A4: Masuku’s win marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first female ANC Johannesburg chairperson. It also signals a major power shift within the party’s local structures ahead of the 2026 local elections.

Q5: Will Dada Morero remain mayor after losing the ANC chairperson position?
A5: It is currently uncertain. ANC national office bearers are the competent authority to decide on the deployment of executive mayors, so Morero’s future as mayor will be determined by the national leadership.

Q6: Were there any controversies during the conference?
A6: Yes, the conference was marred by allegations of bribery and vote-buying, highlighting internal divisions within the ANC Johannesburg region.

Q7: How many delegates voted at the conference?
A7: A total of 334 voting delegates participated in the 16th ANC Johannesburg regional elective conference.

Q8: How might this leadership change affect the ANC ahead of local elections?
A8: Analysts warn that internal rivalries and the leadership shake-up could influence the party’s campaign effectiveness and cohesion in Johannesburg during the 2026 local government elections.