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Mbalula says ANC national officials will pick Johannesburg mayoral candidate

Published

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula dismissed suggestions that regional chairperson Loyiso Masuku should automatically become mayor. He told the media at Luthuli House on Wednesday that the party's top seven national officials will choose, and warned members against openly campaigning.

Mbalula said the decision on the mayoral candidate will come after the 4 November local government elections. He said the mayorship is a matter for the national officials, not the region.

He said: "If the officials decide Loyiso is the right mayor, or Dada is the right mayor, that's the decision that will have been taken". Dada Morero is the incumbent Johannesburg mayor.

Reports said ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane and Johannesburg regional secretary Sasabona Manganye suggested Masuku should become mayor. They cited her position as regional chairperson and said "a woman on top" could be the best solution.

Mbalula also spoke about veteran member Frank Chikane, a mayoral contender who is not on the candidate list. Mbalula said this will be resolved after the election through a reprieve from the Electoral Commission of South Africa. He said he hopes the ANC wins outright control of Johannesburg to continue cleaning up the city.

Key facts

Who
Fikile Mbalula (ANC secretary-general); Loyiso Masuku (ANC Greater Johannesburg regional chairperson); Dada Morero (incumbent Johannesburg mayor); Frank Chikane (veteran ANC member, mayoral contender)
What
Mbalula reiterated that the ANC's top seven national officials will choose the party's Johannesburg mayoral candidate, dismissing suggestions that regional chairperson Loyiso Masuku should automatically get the post. He also cautioned members against openly campaigning for positions before the election.
When
21 October 2026
Where
Johannesburg, Luthuli House, Newclare Cemetery
Status
Reported

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