Morero unfazed should he lose in ANC Joburg leadership race

Outgoing African National Congress (ANC) Johannesburg leader Dada Morero said losing the race to remain the party’s top official in the city would not mark the end of his political career.

Thursday marks the second day of the ANC’s regional elective conference at the Cedar Woods Hotel in Sandton.

Party branches are set to vote for new leaders who are going to guide the ANC in Johannesburg for the next three years.

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Morero is seeking re-election but faces strong competition from Loyiso Masuku, who has secured backing from multiple branches.

When Masuku entered the hall on Wednesday night, delegates erupted in excitement, cheering for what many are calling the underdog.

Insiders told EWN that Masuku is putting up a strong challenge against Morero, with both candidates still neck-and-neck, separated by only a slight margin in delegate support.

Morero, however, has said that even if he loses the race, he will remain a loyal member of the ANC.

“If I don’t win as a chair, I will probably be elected as an additional member and then I’ll be given a particular responsibility, or I may go back to my branch and participate there.”

If Morero loses, the ANC will need to determine whether he continues as Johannesburg mayor for the rest of the local government term, which concludes in November 2026.