Internal ANC divisions escalate in Johannesburg, placing mayor’s future in doubt
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero is facing the possibility of removal as a deepening leadership battle within the African National Congress (ANC) heads to court.
The dispute centres on a legal challenge to the outcome of the party’s 2025 Johannesburg regional conference, a process that reshaped the balance of power within the city’s ANC structures.
The case, brought by ANC figure Stan Itshegetseng, questions the legitimacy of the conference and seeks to have its outcomes set aside. If successful, it could dismantle the current Regional Executive Committee (REC) and trigger major leadership changes.
The REC, led by ANC Johannesburg chairperson and deputy mayor Loyiso Masuku, has reportedly linked Morero to the court challenge due to his perceived political alignment with Itshegetseng. This has intensified internal tensions, with some within the party calling for the mayor to step down.
However, Morero’s allies have rejected claims of his involvement in the legal action, describing the matter as part of broader factional disputes within the party.
The situation highlights ongoing divisions in the ANC’s Johannesburg structures, which have persisted since Masuku defeated Morero in the regional leadership contest last year. While a political compromise saw Masuku appointed as deputy mayor, disagreements over leadership and governance have continued to surface.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has previously urged party leaders to avoid internal conflicts and focus on service delivery and upcoming elections. He has also stressed that decisions بشأن mayoral leadership ultimately rest with the party’s national leadership.
The case is expected to be heard at the Gauteng High Court, where the court will determine the legality of the conference and the future of the current ANC regional leadership in Johannesburg.
With pressure mounting from within his own party, Morero’s political future as mayor of the City of Johannesburg remains uncertain as the legal and political battle unfolds.