ANC power struggles put Mayor Dada Morero's future in doubt

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Sara-Jayne Makwala King

17 March 2026 | 5:46

Reports suggest Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero could be recalled as internal tensions within the ANC continue

ANC power struggles put Mayor Dada Morero's future in doubt

City of Joburg Mayor Dada Morero addressed the Westbury community on 11 September 2025 following two of protests over a lack of water supply. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN

The future of Dada Morero as mayor of Johannesburg appears uncertain amid reports he could soon be recalled.

The reports follow a special weekend meeting of the party’s regional leadership.

Political analyst Hlumelo Xaba says the situation highlights ongoing tensions within the African National Congress in the city, which are nothing new.

“I'm really not surprised...this is not something that is unprecedented within the ranks of the ANC,” Xaba said.

ALSO READ: Morero unfazed by latest attempts to remove him as Joburg mayor

According to reports, the party’s Regional Executive Committee resolved to relieve Morero of his duties.

The decision follows a fractious regional elective conference last year, at which Morero’s faction lost and later challenged the vote's outcome in court.

His defeat has effectively created two centres of power, with Morero at the helm in the metro and Loyiso Masuku leading ANC structures in Johannesburg.

ALSO READ: Morero denies paying influencers to promote him and the City of Joburg

The decision to recall Morero comes as the city remains under a coalition government, which raises broader questions about the party’s stability in Johannesburg ahead of local government elections.

Analysts say internal leadership battles could have consequences for both governance and voter confidence.

"In my view, there is no one currently who can save the ANC in Johannesburg or in Gauteng,” says Xaba.

"Even though they can bring someone who they assume is the best individual to lead the ANC and be a rallying point for the ANC in Johannesburg or Gauteng... it will not lead to them gaining lost ground in Johannesburg because the problem is that a lot of people attribute some of the failures... that they face, some of the social ills we face as Sout Africans, to the inadequcy of the ANC to govern."

ALSO READ: Morero says tenure as Joburg’s ANC chair marked by success, challenges



To listen to Xaba in conversation with CapeTalk/702’s Africa Melane, use the audio player below:

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