The alleged discovery of ballot papers at a private Pretoria home has sparked widespread outrage. But the reaction has exposed a deeper and more dangerous reality: women in politics remain easy targets, says a top official.
The controversy stems from allegations of bribery and election rigging at the ANC’s Greater Johannesburg regional elective conference, which have now prompted both a police investigation and internal party probes.
The investigations were triggered after ballot papers and boxes believed to be linked to the December 2025 conference were allegedly found at a Pretoria home. Acting on complaints, police visited the property on Sunday, where a video later circulated on social media showing officers opening a black plastic bag from which what appeared to be ballot papers spilled out.
The conference resulted in a narrow victory for Loyiso Masuku, who defeated City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero by 184 votes to 149, becoming the first woman elected as ANC Johannesburg regional chairperson.
Senior party officials, including ANC Gauteng convenor of deployees Khumbudzi Ntshavheni, have since called for due process, while ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed that investigations are under way.
Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike said the controversy had once again laid bare what she described as a long-standing and often hidden war against women in politics.
“This morning, like many days, months, years, decades, and even centuries before, we are witnessing a war on women that was once hidden but is now openly visible and disturbingly enabled by both men and women, including those who call themselves comrades,” Letsike said.
She questioned the motives of those disputing the outcome of a conference declared free and fair, warning against the abuse of institutions to derail progress.
“It is telling that those who refuse to respect the outcome of a proclaimed ‘free and fair’ conference election now seek to undermine progress and change. No institution, manipulation or act will be allowed to be abused to reverse the gains women have made,” she said.
Letsike added that women who succeed in politics are often subjected to targeted attacks, harassment, and intimidation designed not merely to contest power but to remove them from leadership altogether.
“We will stand with Loyiso Simphiwe Lugayeni Masuku. We will stand with women, to lead without fear or favour,” she said. “The ANC is for all.”
Social media reactions reflected deep divisions within party ranks.
@Maviki Maviki said: “DM we have ANC processes who deal with elections, and observers are allowed to form part of a credible, fair and transparent process... we recognise the collective leadership elected under the stewardship of Loyiso Simphiwe Lugayeni Masuku.”
Sonny Steelgrave commented, “I fully agree that Basadi they also have the birth right to be in leadership positions and to lead organizations without any stigma or favor given to them. Let the internal democratic structures and systems within the organization exercise their responsibilities bestowed upon them by the constitution of the people to deal with this matter and resolve it speedily without any favor or prejudice.”
Livhu Ligaraba wrote, “Oppression will persist until women unite, stand firm, and protect each other. While the ANC constitution commits to women’s emancipation, this commitment is meaningless unless it is translated into action. Women must resist male dominance and assert their rightful space in leadership and decision-making.”
Charlie Mzukisi said: “We are fully behind the newly elected leadership of JHB Region; no weapon formed against them will prosper.”
However, dissenting voices also emerged.
Tshikalange Bruce Maphiri posted: “The election was rigged; however, the outcome is null and void... SGO in the presence of PEC must facilitate the re-run... malpractice was made, for you being there or not, procedure must be followed, no one is bigger than organisation...the region must be disbanded as a matter of urgency, we are always preaching renewal in the organisation, they've blundered by planting ballot papers at their meal-meal garden.”
The Star