Loyiso Masuku Makes History as ANC Johannesburg Regional Chairperson
Loyiso Masuku has been elected as the new African National Congress (ANC) Johannesburg regional chairperson, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to hold this influential position. The election took place at the party's 16th Regional Elective Conference, which concluded on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Cedarwoods Hotel in Sandton, South Africa.
Masuku secured a decisive victory with 184 votes from the 334 accredited delegates, triumphing over the incumbent, Dada Morero, who is also the current City of Johannesburg Mayor. Morero garnered 149 votes, with one ballot reportedly spoilt.
A Contested Conference and New Leadership Collective
The three-day conference, which commenced on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, was characterized by intense competition and, according to some reports, allegations of bribery and vote-buying. Masuku, who currently serves as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance in the City of Johannesburg, now leads a new regional executive collective.
The newly elected leadership includes:
- Deputy Chairperson: Masilo Serekele, who secured 188 votes against Eunice Mgcina's 143.
- Regional Secretary: Sasabona Manganye, with 205 votes, defeating Lebogang Shabalala.
- Deputy Secretary: Lerato K. Bob, who received 187 votes over Mnisi Nomoya.
- Regional Treasurer: Maxwell Nedzamba, re-elected with an overwhelming 233 votes, surpassing Muzi Nkosi.
Implications for Johannesburg's Political Landscape
Masuku's victory is seen as a significant shift in the ANC's regional power dynamics and positions her as a potential frontrunner for the party's mayoral candidate in Johannesburg following the 2026 local government elections. The outcome has immediately raised questions regarding Dada Morero's continued tenure as the Mayor of Johannesburg, as the ANC traditionally aligns its regional leadership with mayoral deployments. The decision on mayoral deployment will ultimately rest with the party's national office bearers.
In her address, Masuku emphasized the need to restore 'unity, discipline, and moral authority' within the organization, acknowledging the challenges faced by the party and the city. Morero, in his final speech as chairperson, highlighted the severe service delivery issues plaguing Johannesburg, including chronic water shortages, power outages, crumbling infrastructure, and allegations of municipal corruption, attributing some of these to the previous DA-led coalition government.
A Divided Region and Future Challenges
The election results underscore a deeply divided region within the ANC in Johannesburg. This internal contestation comes as the party prepares for crucial upcoming elections and seeks to address the myriad of urban governance challenges in South Africa's economic hub. Masuku's leadership will be closely watched as the ANC navigates these complexities and aims to strengthen its position in the metropolitan area.
7 Comments
Africa
A decisive victory, she clearly has a mandate for change.
Bermudez
This creates uncertainty for Joburg's mayoral office. More instability.
Africa
Time for new energy and a fresh direction for the region.
Habibi
Allegations of vote-buying? Sounds like the same old corrupt ANC.
ZmeeLove
Masuku's call for unity and discipline is a good starting point for the party. Yet, the article clearly shows a deeply divided region, suggesting that achieving true cohesion will be an uphill battle.
Bella Ciao
Fresh leadership is exactly what Joburg's ANC needs right now.
Muchacha
It's a significant step for female representation in politics, which is positive. However, the reported bribery allegations during the conference cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the process.