By Marcus Moloko
The ANC in Johannesburg has elected Loyiso Masuku as its regional chairperson, making her the first woman to lead the party in the city.
Masuku, who also serves as the MMC for finance in the City of Johannesburg, secured victory in a tightly contested race against outgoing chairperson Dada Morero at the ANC’s 16th Regional Elective Conference at the CedarWoods Hotel in Sandton.
Her win over Morero — who had led the region for the past three years — marks a significant shift in direction for the ANC in Johannesburg.
A total of 334 ballots were cast in the contest. Masuku received 184 votes, while Morero garnered 149, with one spoiled ballot.
Masuku’s newly elected leadership collective includes Masilo Serekele as deputy chairperson, Sasabona Manganye as secretary, Lerato K. Bob as deputy secretary and Maxwell Nedzamba as treasurer.
Her leadership will now be closely watched as the party prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Politically, Masuku’s election is expected to bolster Paul Mashatile’s base in Gauteng as factional lines sharpen ahead of the ANC’s 2027 elective congress.
Her rise signals growing momentum for the Mashatile-aligned bloc within Johannesburg — the province’s most influential region.
Conversely, the outcome weakens the prospects of Morero, a key ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose ambitions to become ANC provincial secretary at the next provincial conference now appear increasingly limited.
The result further signals the shifting balance of power in Gauteng, with implications for Ramaphosa’s already fragile support in the province.
Masuku has served across several ANC structures, including the ANC Youth League and the ANC Women’s League, giving her deep organisational roots ahead of a crucial election cycle.
Masuku is expected to deliver the closing address at the end of the three-day conference on Friday.
Meanwhile, the voting for additional regional executive members is currently underway.
Newly elected ANC Greater Johannesburg regional office bearers. PHOTO: X/@GautengANC
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