By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) regional chair and Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) of finance Loyiso Masuku has been elected deputy executive mayor of Johannesburg.
Masuku was elected unopposed during a council meeting on Thursday. Her election means that the Johannesburg’s mayor and deputy mayor are both from the ANC.
Council is also expected to debate Mayor Dada Morero’s fitness to hold office on Thursday. This comes after Al Jama-ah and its partners in the minority caucus tabled a motion of no confidence against him.
Al Jama-ah had requested that the motion takes place through a secret ballot. It is unclear if the motion will still go ahead.
The deputy mayor position was formed to appease a faction of the ANC that wanted Morero to be removed as mayor.
This comes after he lost his position as the regional chairperson of the ANC in Johannesburg at a conference last year.
Masuku’s previous role as MMC for Finance has been dissolved and absorbed into the new office, consolidating fiscal and executive authority.
Now, as Deputy Mayor, she will support Morero in running the metro, sharing tasks like upgrading roads, improving public transport, and creating jobs in the city.
This appointment also comes at a time when women are breaking barriers in South African politics. Masuku’s role could inspire more female leaders to step up, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to top spots.