Joburg mayor on shaky ground as

Loyiso Masuku is gaining ground ahead of the ANC's Johannesburg regional conference where she will vie with Dada Morero for chairperson

- Mandisa Nyathi

Johannesburg mayor and ANC regional chairperson Dada Morero is facing growing uncertainty over his political future, as the city’s most influential branches prepare to cast votes ahead of the party’s much-anticipated regional conference.

Early internal surveys have suggested a dip in support for Morero in some parts of the region, and the party’s top provincial leadership, although several senior branch leaders who support him have rejected the polls as “premature”.

Most of the city’s biggest ANC branches, including those in Soweto, Region D and key inner-city wards, have yet to meet to make their nominations their preferred candidates for regional leadership roles.

Insiders say the outcome of those meetings will ultimately determine whether Morero retains control over the region or cedes ground to Loyiso Masuku who enjoys the support of provincial and national leaders.

Despite the unfolding leadership contest, Morero appointed Masuku as the City of Johannesburg’s member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for finance this week, entrusting her with one of the most powerful portfolios in the metro.

Morero had been holding on to the position, hoping to hand it to one of his allies.