Johannesburg — The African National Congress (ANC) has confirmed that Dada Morero will remain the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, despite his defeat at the party’s regional elective conference held this week.
Morero, who had sought re-election as ANC Johannesburg Regional Chairperson, lost to Loyiso Masuku — now the first woman to lead the ANC in the country’s economic hub. The outcome raised immediate questions about whether the leadership change would trigger a mayoral shake-up in the City of Johannesburg.
However, the ANC’s newly elected regional leadership has moved quickly to quash speculation, stating that Morero’s position as mayor remains secure.
Speaking shortly after her victory, Masuku emphasised that the authority to decide who leads metros does not lie with regional structures.
“Discussions on mayoral candidates is the competency of national office bearers. It is not even on our purview to discuss such matters. We are here to serve residents of Johannesburg,” Masuku said.
Her remarks underscore a long-standing ANC tradition: while regional chairpersons often ascend to mayoral positions, the final decision rests with the party’s national leadership.
Morero is therefore expected to continue steering the City of Gold as the ANC enters a crucial pre-election period ahead of the 2026 local government polls.
The party is set to begin its official mayoral candidate selection process soon, a move that will determine whether Morero remains the ANC’s preferred candidate for the upcoming term.
For now, though, the ANC says continuity in the mayoral office is essential — even as the organisation undergoes significant internal realignment following Masuku’s historic win.