Mbalula's Power Play: ANC Johannesburg Region Cries Foul Over Conference Manipulation

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

ANC Johannesburg regional secretary Sasabona Manganye has defended the electoral process as "inclusive, credible, and constitutionally sound".

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

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A storm is brewing in the African National Congress (ANC) as allegations of manipulation and power struggles threaten to engulf the party's Johannesburg region.

The controversy surrounds the recent regional conference, which saw Loyiso Masuku defeat Dada Morero, an ally of ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, for the regional chair position, amidst claims of vote buying, bribery, and rigging.

Morero, who has been a close associate of Mbalula, is reportedly bitter about his loss and has accused the ANC's electoral officials and the appointed election service provider of manipulating the process.

However, ANC Johannesburg regional secretary Sasabona Manganye has defended the electoral process as "inclusive, credible, and constitutionally sound".

Manganye criticized the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) for fueling the controversy, saying their actions undermine the alliance's principles. He emphasized that the ANC won't be governed by police or state institutions, and that internal disputes should be resolved through established processes.

Sources close to the region suggest that some members are calling for Morero to be called to order, labeling him a "bad loser" and accusing him of anarchism for refusing to accept the outcome of the conference. "He needs to take responsibility for his actions and respect the democratic process," said a source.

Meanwhile, senior ANC members claim Mbalula is behind the manipulation, attempting to remote control the party and remove President Cyril Ramaphosa. "He is a recipe for calamity, he must be called to order," said a senior ANC member, who opted to remain anonymous. They accuse Mbalula of prioritizing personal ambition over the party's interests, and warn that his actions could lead to further instability within the ANC.

Some senior ANC women's league members are speaking out in support of Masuku, arguing that the league must defend her against what they see as "bunkum and bullying" by Mbalula and his allies. "The ANC Women's League will not stand idly by while our comrades are subjected to this kind of treatment," said a senior league member. "We will defend Masuku and ensure that the democratic processes of the party are respected."

The controversy has raised questions about Mbalula's leadership style and his commitment to transparency and accountability. The ANC's national leadership has remained largely silent on the matter, but sources within the party say the controversy is being closely watched. The party's reputation is at stake, and the outcome of this power struggle could have far-reaching implications for the ANC's future.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the ANC's Johannesburg region is bracing for more turbulence. The regional executive committee has resolved to continue with Morero as executive mayor, citing stability and continuity.

However, the party's internal divisions are unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.

The stakes are high, and the outcome is far from certain. One thing is clear, however: the ANC's Johannesburg region will be a battleground for power and influence in the coming months, and the party's future hangs in the balance.