President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that Johannesburg needs a strong mayor, noting that Dada Morero remains in the position with no change. This comment, made at the News24 On the Record Summit, is seen as an indication of national ANC intervention in regional candidate selection. Separately, the ANC organised a People's March in Defence of Sovereignty and Democratic Gains on Human Rights Day.
Recent challenges in Gauteng metros have highlighted difficulties for the ANC. In Ekurhuleni, mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza is attempting to prevent News24 from reporting his presence at a murder scene. Tshwane's deputy mayor Eugene Modise has been linked to benefiting from city tenders, as noted in Madlanga Commission testimony that also implicates the EFF and ActionSA. Johannesburg faces ongoing service delivery issues, contributing to perceptions of ANC inaction amid Madlanga Commission revelations on governance failures. At the News24 On the Record Summit, Ramaphosa remarked: “We should have a strong mayor in Johannesburg, and by the way, Dada Morero is still the mayor in Johannesburg and there is no change there.” He added: “We want stability in Johannesburg until the election happens, we want progress.” The Johannesburg ANC region has sought to replace Morero with its leader Loyiso Masuku to maintain influence until elections. Ramaphosa's statement suggests possible national imposition of a candidate, with potential figures including Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Frank Chikane, or Mcebisi Jonas, noted for their profiles. On Human Rights Day Saturday, the ANC held a “People’s March in Defence of our Sovereignty and Democratic Gains” in several cities, framed as upholding the Freedom Charter against interests opposing transformation and preserving privilege. This approach echoes past strategies focusing on national issues, including references to the Trump administration.
