With more than a year until the 2026 local government elections, the ANC in the Greater Johannesburg Region has announced the dates for its upcoming elective conference, with the event set to take place from June 20 to 22 this year.
According to a statement released by the Regional Executive Committee (REC) after a special meeting recently, the conference will be preceded by a series of branch general meetings, which will take place from March 21 to May 15. The membership cut-off date has been set for March 20.
Sources within the region have revealed that the elective conference is expected to be highly contested, with two candidates, current regional deputy secretary Loyiso Masuku, and present chairperson and City of Johannesburg mayor, Dada Morero, vying for the position of chairperson.
A source close to the REC said both candidates’ survival would depend on who works with Regional Secretary Sasabona Manganye.
He said Manganye was not in any of the two factions but commanding the ground and was powerful.
“It is rumoured that Manganye might work with his current Deputy Secretary Loyiso Masuku as Dada Morero, who is contesting for chairperson, is likely to now back another candidate close to him for regional secretary,” added the source.
Another source indicated that the regional Lekgotla had resolved to attempt to resolve the leadership contest through consensus.
“The position of chair and secretary should not be contested, and the current incumbents are serving their first term and should be left to serve the second term,” said the source.
The region, in its statement, has called on all members and branches to engage actively in the mandate renewal period.
“The 16th Regional Conference will not only chart our path forward but also reinforce our commitment to building a Johannesburg that is prosperous and reflective of the highest aspirations of our diverse communities,” said the region in a statement.
The statement further emphasised the importance of discipline during this period.
“The ‘Through the Eye of a Needle’ document should guide our conduct in addressing the matter of leadership preferences,” said Manganye.
“Any conduct that seeks to undermine the unity and cohesion of the ANC will be addressed in line with Rule 25 of the ANC Constitution,” read the statement.
The elective conference is expected to be a highly contested event, with sources indicating that there are already factions emerging within the region.
However, the ANC Greater Johannesburg Region has emphasised its commitment to a fair and transparent process.
“We call upon all members and branches to engage actively in this mandate renewal period,” said the region.
The statement added: “Let us work together to build a stronger, more united ANC in Greater Johannesburg.”