A brand-new deputy executive mayor position just got filled for the first time in Johannesburg's history, and the ANC locked it down without any competition.
Loyiso Masuku wins the gig unopposed
Loyiso Masuku wins the gig unopposed
- Loyiso Masuku snagged Johannesburg's first-ever Deputy Executive Mayor title.
- Her election went down during an ordinary council sitting.
- The IEC oversaw the whole process for transparency.
- No other candidates even stepped up to challenge her.
- Masuku chairs the ANC's Greater Johannesburg region since December 2025.
- She previously ran the Finance portfolio on the Mayoral Committee.
- Her old finance role got dissolved and folded into the deputy mayor's office.
- Revenue collection and trimming wasteful spending were her bread and butter.
- The MEC for Co-operative Governance first floated the idea back in 2023.
- Leadership turnover kept the proposal gathering dust for years.
- A 2026 council motion finally greenlit the position's creation.
- The ballooning mayoral workload was the core justification for it.
- The deputy sits as a full member of the mayoral committee.
- Stepping in during the mayor's absence is a key function.
- Daily executive tasks get shared under this new structure.
- Faster service delivery for millions of residents is the stated goal.
- Some allies flagged concerns about the ANC holding both top spots.
- Critics worry it could sideline other parties in decision-making.
- Supporters argue it brings much-needed governance stability.
- Masuku's lack of opposition hints at some cross-party consensus.
- Dada Morero is currently staring down a no-confidence motion.
- Secret ballot rules have saved him from similar challenges before.
- Masuku's role could guarantee continuity if leadership shifts happen.
- Procedural ambiguity around those votes still lingers, though.
