Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero says he is waiting for the African National Congress (ANC) to decide whether he will be asked to serve another term, as the governing party prepares to finalise its candidates for major metropolitan councils.
Speaking to media, Mr Morero said the decision rests entirely with the party’s national leadership structures. He stressed that individuals do not campaign for executive posts, but rather make themselves available if called upon.
“We only stand to be councillors,” he said, adding that should the National Office Bearers invite him to interviews and a selection process, he would participate.
The Johannesburg mayor explained that the African National Congress National Executive Committee, acting through its senior officials, is expected to decide on metro candidates across the country. He said party members had been informed that these decisions could be taken as early as this month.
His comments come amid growing speculation over leadership changes in South Africa’s largest city. Attention has turned to Loyiso Masuku, who was recently elected unopposed as the City of Johannesburg’s first deputy mayor. Mr Masuku previously served as a member of the mayoral committee for finance and was elected ANC Johannesburg regional chair late last year, defeating Mr Morero.
The creation of the deputy mayor position has raised questions about whether it reflects pressure on the current administration. However, Mr Morero dismissed suggestions that the move was linked to his performance, saying councils are permitted to appoint deputies to ensure continuity and manage political responsibilities when the mayor is unavailable.
He added that the decision to establish the role had been taken the previous year and was only implemented recently.
Asked what it would mean if he were not selected to return as Johannesburg mayor, Mr Morero said the reasons would have to be explained by the party’s national leaders. He outlined the ANC’s internal vetting process, which includes interviews focused on candidates’ ability to implement the party’s manifesto and manage its mandate in government.
Meanwhile, Mr Morero has survived another attempt to remove him from office. A motion of no confidence brought by smaller parties collapsed during a council meeting after procedural requirements were not met.
Ultimately, he said, the future of the Johannesburg mayor lies with the ANC’s national leadership, which must weigh a range of political and governance considerations before making its final choice.
