“Morero is facing mounting political pressure as he battles to retain his position as Johannesburg’s mayor and ANC regional chairperson. With key party branches increasingly aligning with his rival, Loyiso Masuku, Morero’s once solid support base is showing signs of weakening. As internal divisions within the ANC intensify, Morero’s leadership is being scrutinized, particularly in light of growing dissatisfaction over his administration’s handling of city affairs. With the regional conference fast approaching, the outcome of this leadership contest will be pivotal in shaping Johannesburg’s future political direction.”
Introduction
The political scene in Johannesburg is growing more turbulent as the city’s leadership enters a phase of heightened uncertainty. Dada Morero, the current mayor of Johannesburg and chairperson of the ANC’s regional branch, is finding his position under threat. This uncertainty is largely driven by internal party dynamics, with a growing faction of ANC members and key political figures rallying behind Morero’s rival, Loyiso Masuku. As Johannesburg prepares for its much-anticipated ANC regional conference, the outcome of this leadership contest could reshape the future of the city’s governance, both for the short and long term.
The Rising Threat: Loyiso Masuku
Loyiso Masuku, the ANC deputy regional secretary, has been steadily gaining traction in recent weeks. Known for her strategic acumen and effective organization, Masuku has been consolidating support in some of the city’s largest ANC branches, including those in Soweto, Region D, and the inner-city wards. Her growing popularity is further underscored by the backing she has received from both provincial and national party leaders, positioning her as a formidable challenger to Morero.
Masuku’s rise has sparked widespread speculation that she might not only challenge Morero for the regional chairmanship but could also emerge as a key player in the 2026 local government elections. With the city’s governance struggling and service delivery concerns escalating, Masuku’s supporters view her as a viable candidate who could effectively lead the ANC in Johannesburg, potentially even taking on the Democratic Alliance’s Helen Zille in what would be a high-stakes battle for control of the city.
Morero’s Struggling Leadership
Dada Morero’s tenure as mayor and regional ANC chair has been marred by mounting criticism over his handling of both city governance and party matters. While Morero has managed to hold onto power, his administration has faced significant challenges. Service delivery failures, governance issues, and the increasing fragility of the coalition in the Johannesburg metro council have made his leadership more precarious.
Critics argue that Morero’s administration has been bogged down by administrative missteps. One of the most controversial proposals he put forward was to recruit foreign nationals into the metro police service. His political opponents within the ANC have accused him of prioritizing loyalists over capable leaders, leading to internal friction and dissatisfaction within the party ranks. These factors have contributed to his weakening support base, making it harder for him to maintain control.
In addition to these internal struggles, Morero has faced mounting pressure from the city’s coalition government. After failing to fulfill an agreement to appoint Thapelo Amad to the finance portfolio a crucial position within the city government several smaller political parties have threatened to withdraw their support from the coalition. These growing tensions within the coalition have only added to the political instability surrounding Morero’s leadership.
A Strategic Appointment: Masuku Takes on Finance Portfolio
In a surprising move, Morero appointed Masuku as the City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance. This position is one of the most powerful in the metro, and it’s clear that Morero’s decision was influenced by the need to stabilize the city’s finances. Despite being a key rival, Morero was left with little choice but to entrust Masuku with this responsibility after a tense meeting with ANC provincial leaders.
The appointment has raised eyebrows, especially considering that Morero had been holding onto the position in hopes of placing one of his own allies in charge. However, with Johannesburg’s finances in disarray and urgent reforms needed, Morero was forced to make this pragmatic choice. Many political insiders now see this move as an indication of Masuku’s increasing influence and her growing importance within both the party and the city’s leadership.
The Internal Battle: Morero vs. Masuku
The battle for control over Johannesburg’s ANC branch is heating up, and the upcoming regional conference will be the deciding factor. Although Morero’s critics argue that his leadership has faltered, his supporters remain vocal, insisting that he has done his best under immense pressure. They point to his efforts to hold the ANC’s coalition together in a city that has been deeply divided between various political factions.
Despite the factional tensions, Morero still retains the backing of key structures within the ANC, including youth and women’s league groups. These factions argue that Morero is the strongest candidate to lead the region, citing his political experience and ability to command respect from both party members and the broader public.
However, Masuku’s campaign is gaining momentum as well. She has positioned herself as the candidate for generational renewal, emphasizing the need for stronger coordination within the party and a reassertion of the ANC’s control over Johannesburg’s contested wards. Her supporters view her as a disciplined, capable leader with a proven track record qualities that make her an appealing option to younger ANC members who are eager for a change in leadership.
The Political Landscape: Preparing for 2026
As the leadership battle intensifies, the stakes are high for both Morero and Masuku. Whoever emerges victorious in the regional leadership contest will not only have significant influence over Johannesburg’s local government but will also play a pivotal role in shaping the ANC’s strategy for the 2026 local government elections. With the city’s political future hanging in the balance, both candidates are working hard to solidify their positions.
Masuku’s emergence as a potential candidate for mayor has been met with enthusiasm among those who are dissatisfied with Morero’s leadership. Her focus on generational change, disciplined organization, and effective governance has resonated with party members who believe that the ANC needs new leadership to take back control of Johannesburg from the Democratic Alliance.
On the other hand, Morero’s supporters argue that he is still the best person to lead the ANC in Johannesburg. They contend that his experience and ability to navigate the city’s complex political landscape are crucial as the party works to rebuild its base and reclaim lost ground in the upcoming elections.
The Road Ahead: A Tense Wait for the Regional Conference
As the ANC prepares for its regional conference, all eyes are on Johannesburg. Morero and Masuku are poised to go head-to-head in what promises to be a defining moment for both the party and the city. While some members are confident that Morero will prevail, others believe that Masuku’s growing support base makes her the likely winner.
With Johannesburg’s future at stake, the political battle between these two leaders is sure to intensify in the coming weeks. The outcome of the regional conference will have far-reaching implications not only for the ANC but for the city’s governance in the lead-up to the 2026 local elections For more on the political dynamics in Johannesburg, check out this insightful article on the ANC’s national leadership and its impact on local governance. Read more..
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s political future is currently in flux, with Dada Morero facing increasing challenges to his leadership. Loyiso Masuku’s rising popularity within the ANC, combined with the growing dissatisfaction with Morero’s administration, has set the stage for a fiercely contested regional conference. While Morero still has significant backing, particularly from the youth and women’s leagues, Masuku’s appeal as a candidate for generational renewal and stronger governance has made her a serious contender for leadership. As the political battle unfolds, all eyes will be on the ANC’s regional conference, where the next chapter of Johannesburg’s political landscape will be written.
