By Palesa Matlala
· Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi warned ANC members not to use money or favours to influence leadership elections in Johannesburg.
· Lesufi said the ANC is like a sinking ship, and members are too busy fighting each other to save it.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has warned African National Congress (ANC) leaders not to use money or favours to win internal elections.
Lesufi was speaking at the 16th Johannesburg regional conference held at Cedarwoods Hotel on Sunday. The event was delayed from September due to bribery claims and confusion around planning.
He told delegates that vote-buying and greed were destroying the party’s image and trust. He urged members to vote honestly and protect the ANC’s future.
“All members of the ANC must vote for who must lead because no one is going to buy or abuse delegates and no one will take advantage of our delegates,” said Lesufi.
He described the ANC as “a sinking ship” where members fight about ownership instead of working together to save it.
“You can be the owner, but as long as it’s in the belly of the sea, it’s meaningless,” he said.
Lesufi also presented a report listing the problems that are damaging the ANC’s reputation. These include corruption, leaders showing off their wealth in poor communities, and ongoing incompetence.
The vote is expected to take place on Sunday afternoon. The new leadership will serve for three years and play a major role in shaping the ANC’s plans for the 2026 local elections.
The battle for Johannesburg regional chairperson is between current chair Dada Morero and challenger Loyiso Masuku.
Morero, who is also the city’s mayor, is supported by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. He says he is confident about his record and is not worried about losing.
Masuku is backed by the ANC Women’s League and the Youth League. He is campaigning as a fresh voice for renewal.
Branches are expected to vote on a new leadership structure that will influence service delivery and party strategy in Johannesburg, one of the ANC’s biggest urban battlegrounds.
Pictured above: Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi speaking at the Johannesburg regional conference.
Image source: ANC Gauteng
