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Checkers Bags and Bribery Claims Cloud ANC Joburg Leadership Vote
The road to political power in Johannesburg has taken a murky turn. As the ANC’s Greater Johannesburg region prepares to elect its new leadership, whispers of cash changing hands have overshadowed the build-up. Delegates from across the city gathered this week, expecting votes to determine the future of the region. Instead, attention has shifted to claims of bribery involving everyday shopping bags and even chocolate containers.
Morero pushes back: Money politics must end
Executive Mayor Dada Morero, who currently chairs the region and is vying to retain his position, did not shy away from addressing the rumours. He admitted that the presence of money in political decision-making is a long-running issue for the governing party.
He expressed disappointment that the ANC has battled for years to rid itself of what he called the devil of money politics. According to him, when votes are influenced by cash, the organisation ends up with leaders who are not necessarily right for the job. This concern comes at a time when the ANC is already struggling to regain public trust in major metros such as Johannesburg.
Delegates raise red flags from Sandton
Some attendees claim that benefactors backed by certain factions have been treating selected delegates to luxury accommodation in Sandton hotels. The alleged purpose: influence their choices when ballots are cast.
Other complaints describe money being handed out discreetly in Checkers shopping bags or tucked inside chocolate boxes. These stories have spread fast on social media and in political circles, painting a picture of leadership battles driven by personal gain rather than policy debates.
Two slates, one city, and a crucial vote
The leadership contest has split the region into two main camps. On one side stands Morero with a slate that includes Matshidiso Mfikoe and Chris Vondo. Both are well known in Gauteng political structures and seen as close allies of the mayor.
Opposing them is Gauteng’s MMC for Finance, Loyiso Masuku. Her support base reportedly includes regional spokesperson Masilo Serekele and former regional secretary Sasabona Manganye. The final list of candidates backing Masuku remains more guarded, adding to the sense of suspense ahead of the vote.
What happens next
Voting is expected to begin late on Thursday evening. For many in Johannesburg, this election is not just a political reshuffle. It is a test of whether the ANC can clean up its act and rebuild trust from the ground up.
The excitement around new leadership has been dampened by the shadow of alleged bribery. Still, many delegates hope that renewed accountability can steer the region back toward stability and service delivery, rather than the influence of well-stuffed shopping bags.
Until the dust settles, the city watches closely. The results will shape who leads the ANC in the country’s economic powerhouse. More importantly, they will reveal whether the organisation can finally draw a line between public service and private reward.
Also read: More Than a Local Contest: The Johannesburg Proxy War Shaping the ANC’s Future
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Source: The Citizen
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