The ANC in the Greater Johannesburg region is on the brink of a highly anticipated elective conference, slated for the end of September with the spotlight on the crucial position of regional chairperson, formerly held by Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. 

His leadership faces significant challenges from within the party, with former Regional Secretary Sasabona Manganye emerging as a pivotal figure in the upcoming contest.

The race is expected to be fiercely contested, with Morero projected to face off against current regional deputy secretary Loyiso Masuku.

Recent events have reportedly fueled discontent among some senior party members, particularly following Morero’s State of the City address. 

Disgruntled sources previously claimed they were not consulted on the address, leading to accusations of an autocratic leadership style. 

However, these criticisms are not without counter-arguments. Another senior member, dismissing such assertions, suggested they are merely “factional maneuvers ahead of the regional conference,” stemming from those who oppose Morero’s chairmanship.

Manganye has openly acknowledged the persistent challenge of factionalism within the ANC. 

Projections suggest that the survival of both Morero and Masuku will largely depend on their alignment with Manganye. 

It is suggested that Manganye might work with Masuku, potentially creating an alliance, while Morero is reportedly considering backing another candidate for regional secretary in a strategic move to solidify his base.

Adding another layer of intrigue, Eunice Mgcina, the Johannesburg member of the mayoral committee for development planning, has surprisingly nominated Morero for the position of regional chairperson. 

This move is particularly noteworthy given Mgcina’s past. She was previously associated with “The Woman On Top” faction and had contested against Morero for the same position in 2022, losing by a narrow margin of just 10 votes. 

Her shift in allegiance comes as a surprise, especially since she was perceived to be aligned with Masuku, further complicating the internal dynamics and suggesting a possible re-alignment of forces.

Despite the immediate conference being in September, the ANC Greater Johannesburg Region has already outlined a roadmap for the 16th Regional Conference, with a membership cutoff of March 20, 2025, and branch general meetings scheduled from March 21 to May 15, 2025. 

The actual conference is slated for September 28 2025. 

The region has called on all members and branches to actively engage in this “renewal period,” stressing the importance of discipline and adherence to the “Through the Eye of a Needle” document to guide leadership preferences.

Here are the internal supports, as of 18 August, for the leaders in the five positions being contested: 

Contesting the chairperson position is Morero who has been nominated by 51% of the Johannesburg branches while Masuku has 49% of the support.

Leading the deputy chairperson positions are former regional spokesperson Alex Masilo on 38% followed by Eunice Mgcina who garnered 17%.

For the regional secretary position Sasabona Manganye leads with 62% while former regional secretary of the ANC Youth League, Lebogang Tshabalala follows with 21%.

MMC for economic development, Nomoya Mnisi and Lerato Bob will be battling it out for the deputy secretary position with 44% and 22% respectively. 

Maxwell Nedzamba, the former regional treasurer has been nominated by 56% of the branches while Bonolo Ramokele, the former City Power board chairperson is on 24%.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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