A losing candidate is challenging the results of last month’s ANC Johannesburg conference, alleging irregularities in how the election was conducted.
Dada Morero, who lost the regional chair contest to Loyiso Masuku, sent a formal complaint to Gauteng provincial task team co-ordinator Hope Papo and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. Morero, the current mayor of Johannesburg, questions the appointment and conduct of the electoral committee overseeing the conference.
In a letter dated january 21, Morero asks the Gauteng leadership to address concerns about the committee’s appointment process and its management of the conference. He argues the alleged issues threaten the integrity of the ANC’s internal democratic processes.
Morero also alleges a conflict of interest, claiming a close relationship between the election agency and Masuku. He states the agency’s owner is a City of Johannesburg employee who reports to Masuku.
It is notably troubling that Noluthando White, the owner of the election agency, is currently employed by the City of Johannesburg. Her recruitment was overseen by the then MMC of group corporate and shared services around the period 2019-2021 as part of a group of 130 recruits.
Morero wrote that White was hired as a media specialist within the MMC’s office. He called for an investigation into potential conflicts of interest and manipulative practices.
“This letter serves as a formal complaint concerning potential conflicts of interest and possible manipulative practices that require urgent investigation. Clarification is needed from the provincial task team regarding how this company was engaged,” he stated.
Morero wants the ANC to investigate whether White’s relationship with Masuku was disclosed before her company was hired to run the voting process. He believes the election agency’s credibility is compromised and suggests the conference was designed to achieve a predetermined outcome.
He asked the provincial task team if the agency disclosed any conflicts of interest or relationships with candidates, specifically regarding its ownership and management. Nkuli white, a relative of Noluthando White, currently holds a directorship.
