Morero Reflects On Joburg ANC Leadership Marked By Both Achievements And Hurdles

Incumbent African National Congress (ANC) chairperson in Johannesburg, Dada Morero, has opened up about the highs and lows of his three-year tenure at the helm of the region. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday during the first day of the ANC’s regional elective conference, Morero described his term as one defined by resilience, teamwork, and the determination to reposition the ANC within Johannesburg’s political landscape.

The gathering, which spans three days, brings together ANC branches from across Johannesburg. Delegates are expected to cast their crucial ballots on Thursday, choosing a new leadership structure that will guide the party in the city for the next three years. As the conference unfolds, the spotlight remains fixed on Morero—both as the outgoing regional chair and as a contender for another term.

Morero is seeking re-election as Johannesburg regional chairperson, but his campaign faces a strong contest from Loyiso Masuku. Masuku is widely regarded as a popular candidate among several influential ANC branches, making the leadership race one of the most closely watched contests within the party.

Morero’s political journey within the ANC region spans more than a decade. Before being elected Johannesburg chairperson in 2022, he served as regional secretary for over 11 years, building a reputation as a steady organisational figure. His election as chairperson came at a time when the ANC found itself in the opposition benches of the Johannesburg city council, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA coalition controlled the metro.

Morero’s Reflections on Leadership: Successes and Challenges

Looking back on his term, Morero highlighted key achievements while acknowledging the obstacles he and the regional executive committee had to navigate. One of the milestones he emphasised was the ANC’s successful effort to reclaim governing control in Johannesburg after initially losing its footing to opposition coalitions.

“It was not an easy journey,” Morero admitted. “Generally, we had a good leadership and a good REC. We faced contradictions here and there, but we were a formidable team, and we retained most of the wards that we contested.”

This, according to Morero, reflected the commitment and discipline of ANC structures on the ground. He noted that despite internal tensions and the complexities of coalition politics within the city, the regional leadership remained focused on strengthening party unity and ensuring consistent engagement with communities.

One of the major accomplishments under Morero’s leadership was helping the ANC make significant gains in the city following years of inconsistent governance. Reclaiming authority in Johannesburg was a goal that required strategic political manoeuvring, coalition-building, and a sustained focus on stabilising the city’s administrative structures.

Ward retention was another area where Morero feels the ANC has made notable progress. He attributes this to the hard work of branch members and activists who continued campaigning, mobilising, and maintaining a visible presence across communities even during difficult political periods.

The upcoming conference will table a full report on Morero’s tenure, outlining the broader organisational, political, and governance-related work undertaken by the regional leadership since 2022. This report is expected to offer deeper insights into the internal challenges faced by the region, as well as the successes that Morero and his team believe set a strong foundation for the future.

With voting scheduled to begin shortly after the presentation of the regional report on Thursday, the ANC’s Johannesburg branches now hold the responsibility of deciding who will lead the party through the next political cycle. For Morero, the conference represents not just a test of his leadership record, but also an opportunity to outline his vision for the next three years.

If re-elected, Morero is expected to focus on strengthening internal unity, boosting service delivery, and further stabilising the ANC’s governance presence in Johannesburg. If not, he has emphasised the importance of continuity and collective leadership, expressing confidence that the ANC will remain strong regardless of who takes over.

As Johannesburg’s ANC branches prepare to vote, the atmosphere at the conference is one of anticipation and reflection. For Dada Morero, this moment marks the culmination of years of organisational leadership and political commitment. Whether he returns as regional chairperson or passes the baton to a new leader, Morero’s influence—and the debates surrounding his tenure—will continue to shape the direction of the ANC in Johannesburg.

Source- EWN