EXCLUSIVE: Masuku advances, Morero misses out as ANC considers Nhlanhla Lux, Frank Chikane, Chichi Maponya and Jabu Moleketi for Johannesburg mayor

The African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg has put forward its regional chairperson, Loyiso Masuku, as the sole candidate for the city's mayoral position. This decision comes as the party's regional executive committee (REC) submitted its nominations to Luthuli House for interviews.

Notably, the incumbent mayor, Dada Morero, did not make the final list submitted for consideration. While his name was reportedly discussed among regional office bearers (ROBs), he was ultimately excluded from the final selection. The REC resolved that ROBs would deliberate on potential candidates to avoid internal consensus issues.

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On Loyiso, the decision was made by the REC. As for the other two names, the ROBs were mandated to look around so that the REC would not simply sit and resolve the names among themselves.

Several prominent figures are under consideration to potentially join Masuku on the shortlist. These include Nhlanhla Lux, known for his role as a former Operation Dudula leader and immigration activist; Reverend Frank Chikane, the ANC’s integrity commission chair; Chichi Maponya, identified as the chair of the Maponya Group; and Jabu Moleketi, a former deputy minister of finance.

The selection process, concluded in the second week of May, tasked regions with submitting three names. However, the Mail & Guardian understands that only two names, in addition to Masuku, were ultimately forwarded to Luthuli House. The party's top leaders have been responsible for interviewing mayoral candidates since 2021, selecting at least three names for consideration.

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Several names were raised but they are not part of the final names submitted.