Lobbying intensifies ahead of ANC Johannesburg regional leadership vote

With the African National Congress’ (ANC) elective conference in Johannesburg set to kick off this Wednesday evening, it’s still unclear who is likely to emerge as the party’s next regional leader.

Branch delegates are now making their way to the Cedar Woods Hotel in Sandton, where the conference is set to take place.

Although the event was scheduled to begin at 5 pm, slow registrations caused delays, and the starting time is now expected to be after 8 pm.

Outgoing ANC regional chairperson Dada Morero is seeking re-election but faces a strong challenge from Loyiso Masuku, who is widely backed within the region.

ALSO READ: ANC Johannesburg regional conference starts as Morero and Masuku battle for top job

While voting for a new ANC Johannesburg leadership structure is only set for Thursday, candidates vying for top positions have been actively lobbying party branches for support.

Dada Morero faces a challenging contest, with insiders telling EWN that his rival, Loyiso Masuku, has already secured backing from a majority of ANC branches.

Current indications suggest that Masuku holds a slight lead over Morero, though there is still about 24 hours for either candidate to solidify their support.

If Morero loses the race for ANC regional chairperson, the party will need to decide whether he remains Johannesburg Mayor.

For now, sources say extensive horse-trading is underway, as both Morero and Masuku work to win over ANC branches ahead of tomorrow’s vote.

On Wednesday, the ANC will focus on internal organisational matters and reflect on its work over the past three years.