ANC Top Six Convene to Tackle Joburg Region Quagmire Tomorrow
Johannesburg – The African National Congress’s top national leaders, known as the top six, are gearing up for a key meeting tomorrow to sort out the messy situation in their Johannesburg region. This comes after a regional conference filled with claims of vote rigging and other troubles that have left the party reeling. With the 2026 local government elections on the horizon, the ANC is under pressure to fix these issues and regain trust from voters who are tired of poor services and internal fights.
Recent Regional Conference: A Tight Race Ends in Surprise Victory
The troubles kicked off at the ANC’s 16th Johannesburg Regional Elective Conference, held from 3 to 5 December 2025 at the CedarWoods Hotel in Sandton. Over three days, party branches came together to pick new leaders and talk about policies and how the organisation runs. The event was meant to bring fresh energy, but it turned into a battleground.
Loyiso Masuku, the former deputy regional secretary, came out on top in a close contest for chairperson, beating the outgoing leader and current Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero. Masuku got 340 votes against Morero’s 290, a slim margin that showed how divided the region is. This win made Masuku the new head, with promises to push the party’s renewal agenda and focus on a clear vision for the future. In his first chats after the win, he spoke about uniting the movement and tackling the road ahead, stressing the need for strong leadership to handle city challenges.
Vote Rigging Claims: Allegations Rock the Conference
Right from the start, the conference faced serious claims of foul play. Some members accused others of rigging votes, pointing to irregularities in how ballots were handled. These whispers grew louder when ballot papers from the event were found at a house in Pretoria, far from the conference site. Officials from the party’s secretary general’s office and police got involved to look into it, raising questions about who might have taken them and why.
The discovery sparked outrage, with some saying it proved tampering to sway the results. Morero, who lost his spot, had been in charge for three years and was seen as a strong player, especially in coalitions that help the ANC govern the city. His defeat came as a shock to many, and the rigging talk has only added fuel to the fire. For ordinary members, this mess feels like a betrayal, making it hard to trust the process that should pick fair leaders.
Delays and Tensions: Behind the Scenes at the Elective Gathering
The conference itself dragged on longer than planned, with delays in nominations and voting stretching into the night. By 10 p.m. on one evening, things were still going, and it looked like a long wait for results. Contests for top spots, like chairperson and deputy, were heated, showing deep splits within the branches.
Beyond the leadership fights, talks focused on the ANC’s role in coalitions, which limit its full control over Johannesburg. The party shares power with others, making it tough to push through changes alone. Members debated how to handle this, knowing that weak governance hurts service delivery – things like fixing roads, providing water, and keeping lights on. These issues are at the heart of why voters are turning away, and the conference aimed to find ways to turn things around.
Broader ANC Challenges: Fixing Local Government Tops 2026 Agenda
This Johannesburg drama is part of bigger problems for the ANC as it eyes the 2026 local elections. Party leaders have made it clear that sorting out municipalities and improving basic services is their number one goal this year. President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against poor performance, urging branches to step up or face the consequences.
The ANC has seen its support drop in recent votes, dipping to 40% nationally in 2024. In places like Johannesburg, Tshwane, and eThekwini, coalitions have become the norm, and the party risks losing more ground if it does not deliver. Warnings from the National General Council highlight a real threat to the ANC’s power, with shrinking influence in key areas. Regional conferences must wrap up by March 2026, giving time to prepare, but spots like Gauteng are already buzzing with plans.
Top Six Steps In: Tomorrow’s Meeting to Untangle the Knot
Tomorrow’s gathering of the ANC’s national office bearers – the top six, including the president, deputy president, secretary general, and others – is set to dive deep into the Johannesburg quagmire. They will look at the conference fallout, including the rigging claims and ballot issues, to decide on next steps. This could mean investigations, possible recounts, or even new elections if things are deemed unfair.
The meeting aims to restore order and unity, especially with the 5th National General Council coming up from 8 to 12 December 2025. Leaders want to make sure regions like Johannesburg are stable, as they play a big role in the party’s overall strength. For the ANC, this is about renewal – cleaning up internal messes to focus on serving people better.
Impact on Johannesburg: Leadership Changes and City Governance
With Masuku at the helm, the Johannesburg region now has a new team to lead it forward. Other elected roles include deputies and secretaries who will work on grassroots issues. But the controversies could linger, affecting how the ANC runs the city. As mayor, Morero has been key in coalitions, and his loss in the party vote might shake things up in council decisions.
Johannesburg, as South Africa’s economic hub, faces big challenges like poverty, unemployment, and crumbling infrastructure. The ANC’s ability to fix these will decide voter support in 2026. Communities are mobilising, with marches and calls for better services, showing the urgency for change.
Looking Ahead: Renewal or Further Decline for the ANC?
As the top six meet tomorrow, the ANC stands at a crossroads. Sorting the Johannesburg mess could help rebuild trust and gear up for elections. But if ignored, it might lead to more splits and lost votes. The party is pushing for ethical leaders and real improvements, like better water and electricity, to win back hearts.
In the end, this quagmire tests the ANC’s resilience after years in power. With members going door-to-door to rally support, the focus is on delivering a better life for all. Tomorrow’s talks could be the first step towards a stronger, more united front.
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