Morero cries foul over ANC Joburg elections

A dispute over the fairness of internal elections within the African National Congress (ANC) has surfaced in Johannesburg, following a formal complaint lodged by a losing candidate. Dada Morero, the current mayor of Johannesburg, is challenging the results of last month’s regional conference, alleging irregularities in the electoral process.

Allegations of Conflict of Interest

Morero, who lost his bid for regional chair to Loyiso Masuku, has formally written to both Gauteng provincial task team co-ordinator Hope Papo and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. His complaint centers on the appointment and conduct of the electoral committee that oversaw the conference. He asserts that the process threatens the integrity of the ANC’s internal democratic procedures.

Did You Know? Noluthando White, the owner of the election agency at the center of the dispute, was recruited by the City of Johannesburg as part of a group of 130 individuals between 2019 and 2021.

Specifically, Morero alleges a conflict of interest, claiming a close relationship between the election agency used for the voting process and Masuku. He states that Noluthando White, the owner of the agency, is currently employed by the City of Johannesburg and reports directly to Masuku.

Response to the Allegations

Nkuli White, a relative of Noluthando White and current director of Elections Management And Consulting Agency of Africa (EMCA), dismissed the allegations. She stated there is “no relationship, alliance, or association” between the owner of EMCA and Masuku. She also asserted that her relative resigned as a director of EMCA in September 2021, prior to the conference, as evidenced by records with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

Expert Insight: Internal disputes over election processes, even within political parties, can significantly erode trust and create divisions. The allegations raised here, if substantiated, could have lasting consequences for the ANC’s internal cohesion and public perception.

ANC Response and Next Steps

Fikile Mbalula confirmed receipt of Morero’s letter and stated it has been forwarded to the ANC’s elections commission, led by former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe. Mbalula indicated the ANC is “attending to” the complaints but refrained from commenting on specific issues to avoid potential legal prejudice.

This complaint follows an earlier directive from Mbalula in December, instructing Papo to hand over all conference-related materials to the police. However, Mbalula later clarified that police involvement was primarily for safeguarding ballots, should a recount be necessary, and not for a full investigation. He also noted complaints related to a decision by the electoral committee to adjust gender parity within the regional executive committee (REC).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core of Morero’s complaint?

Dada Morero’s complaint alleges a conflict of interest involving the election agency used at the ANC Johannesburg conference and Loyiso Masuku, who defeated him in the election for regional chair. He claims the agency owner is an employee of the City of Johannesburg and reports to Masuku.

What is the ANC’s current response to the allegations?

Fikile Mbalula confirmed the ANC received Morero’s letter and has forwarded it to the elections commission, chaired by Kgalema Motlanthe, for review. He also stated that previously requested conference materials were handed over to the police for safekeeping.

What is the response from the election agency regarding the allegations?

Nkuli White, a director of Elections Management And Consulting Agency of Africa (EMCA), dismissed the allegations of a conflict of interest, stating there is no relationship between the agency owner and Loyiso Masuku. She also confirmed the owner resigned as a director in September 2021.

The ANC’s elections commission could investigate the claims made by Morero, potentially leading to a review of the conference results. Alternatively, the ANC could determine the allegations are unsubstantiated and uphold the original outcome. It is also possible that the matter could be pursued through legal channels, as suggested by EMCA, or that internal mediation efforts could be undertaken to resolve the dispute.