Officials from the ANC secretary general's office and police have discovered ballot boxes from the Greater Johannesburg Regional Conference in a house in Pretoria. The find is linked to the controversial election of Loyiso Masuku as regional chair, which defeated Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa is awaiting a full report before commenting.
The discovery of ballot boxes from the African National Congress (ANC) Greater Johannesburg Regional Conference has raised questions about the integrity of the recent regional elections. On January 25, 2026, officials arrived at a house in Pretoria where the boxes were found. These are believed to be connected to the conference that saw Loyiso Masuku elected as the new regional chair, ousting incumbent Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero in a contentious vote.
At the scene, representatives from the ANC secretary general's office and law enforcement are investigating the circumstances of the find. The conference itself has been mired in controversy, with allegations of irregularities surrounding the leadership battle.
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the matter cautiously during an interaction with SABC News reporter Natasha Phiri. He stated that he is awaiting a full report on the discovery of the alleged ballot papers before making any comments. This development could have implications for the party's internal dynamics in Johannesburg, a key political stronghold.
No further details on the condition of the ballot boxes or the exact number have been released as the investigation continues. The incident underscores ongoing tensions within the ANC ahead of broader national discussions.