ANC
Outgoing ANC Johannesburg chairperson Dada Morero has rejected claims that his campaign is funded by vote buying, insisting he only paid for logistics as he seeks re-election against Loyiso Masuku. He warns that money politics is tearing the ANC apart and throws his full support behind President Cyril as tensions rise before the National Council
Outgoing ANC Greater Johannesburg chairperson Dada Morero has spoken out about the direction of the party as he seeks another term at the helm of the region. Morero is contesting against Loyiso Masuku in what has become one of the most closely watched regional leadership races in the ANC.
The contest comes amid renewed allegations of vote buying and bribery as branches prepare for the regional elective conference, with the outcome likely to influence internal dynamics ahead of the ANC’s National General Council next Monday.
Reports inside the party suggest that Morero enjoys support from ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, while Masuku is said to be backed by the ANC Women’s League and the ANC Youth League. The competing endorsements have added to the intensity of the campaign as the region remains a key political battleground.
Morero addressed the claims of money being used to secure positions, warning that the practice has taken root in recent years and now threatens to damage the movement from within. He said the ANC must confront the problem directly before it destroys the party’s credibility.
“Fortunately the ANC, we have to deal with it. That is an organisation. So how do you deal with it? Focus on it and destroy it once and for all. Because those politics of money are indeed destroying the ANC,” he said.
Morero insisted that his own campaign has stuck to legitimate expenses, which included covering the costs of meetings, hiring venues and ensuring logistical needs were met.
“No, the money that has been used in my campaign would be when you convene meetings, pay for the hall, pay for the food, sound system because I did a few city hall engagements or meetings at the level of zones and branches. That required sponsorship from members of the ANC. So that has been done and in the ANC that part of moving and campaigning is allowed,” he said.
Morero also weighed in on the growing calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s removal. This week the youth league, veterans’ league and women’s league issued separate statements rejecting any attempts to undermine the president through secret plots.
Morero made it clear that he stands firmly behind the president.
“I support the leadership of the president. I think there have been many gains that the president has made over the past term. So indeed, I am fully behind the president as our leader,” he said.
With tensions rising and internal factions sharpening their messaging, all eyes are now on Johannesburg as the ANC prepares for another decisive test of unity, discipline and leadership direction.
