MBALULA'S MAN GETS WALLoped: ANC Secretary General's Ally Dada Morero Defeated in Joburg Regional Conference

ANC Johannesburg Regional Chairperson Loyiso Masuku.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula's bid to dominate the party's Gauteng structures has suffered a major setback after his ally, Dada Morero, was defeated by Loyiso Masuku in the Johannesburg regional conference.

Masuku, who is aligned to Gauteng Provincial Coordinator Panyaza Lesufi, secured a narrow victory, winning 184 votes to Morero's 149. The defeat is seen as a significant blow to Mbalula's ambitions to succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa, with many interpreting the result as a rejection of his leadership style.

Morero, who has been a staunch ally of Mbalula, had been widely expected to win the conference, but Masuku's campaign, which focused on renewal and unity, resonated with delegates. The result has sent shockwaves through the party, with many speculating that Mbalula's influence is waning.

The defeat is also seen as a boost for Lesufi, who is increasingly being seen as a rival to Mbalula for the top job. Lesufi's camp has been quietly building support in the party, and the Joburg result is likely to embolden them.

The ANC's internal battles are expected to intensify in the coming months, with the Tshwane regional conference scheduled to take place this weekend. The outcome of that conference is likely to provide further insight into the party's internal dynamics and the relative strength of the various factions.

In the meantime, Mbalula's allies are likely to be on the back foot, with many expecting him to face challenges to his leadership in the coming months. The defeat in Joburg is a significant setback, and it remains to be seen how Mbalula will respond.