Masuku is calling for the ANC to “break the curse” of past instability.
Tasha Siziba
Newly elected ANC Greater Johannesburg Regional Chairperson Loyiso Masuku has issued a powerful call for renewal, unity and decisive action to rebuild the movement’s credibility and improve service delivery across the country’s economic hub.
Delivering her closing address at the ANC Regional Conference, Masuku said the mandate received from delegates is “a sacred covenant” between the party and the people of Johannesburg.
Masuku warned that the ANC stands at a critical turning point as it faces declining public support, unstable coalition governance and weakened moral authority. She said voters are increasingly using the ballot to express dissatisfaction with unemployment, persistent service delivery failures, corruption, and internal factionalism.
“The ballot, which was once an affirmation of the ANC’s programme, has become a tool of accountability to punish the ANC,” she said.
A City of Contrasts and Consequence
Masuku described Johannesburg as a city defined by deep historical inequality and extraordinary economic potential, with a GDP estimated at over R1.2 trillion and home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the city stands as a regional economic powerhouse. Yet unemployment remains above 30%, and poverty continues to affect millions.
She emphasised that effective leadership in Johannesburg has national implications:
“Success here, measured in shared prosperity and functional services, would signal a breakthrough for the entire country.”
A Bold Plan for Transformation
Masuku outlined several key priorities:
• Local Economic Growth
Mandating that more of the city’s R60 billion procurement budget support local SMMEs, which currently make up more than 50% of city employment.
• Housing Delivery
Addressing the housing backlog of over 300,000 units by accelerating the release of public land and increasing private sector participation.
• Fixing Basic Services
Key interventions include:
• Tackling the 40% water loss caused by ageing pipes
• Improving electricity reliability
• Generating 150 MW of solar power within two years
• Incentivising rooftop solar adoption
• Transport and Infrastructure
Masuku stressed that affordable, reliable public transport is essential for economic opportunity and restoring dignity to residents. She added that the current R3.5 billion infrastructure allocation must be leveraged to attract private investment.
Unity and Discipline at the Centre of Renewal
Masuku urged members to prioritise principle over personality, warning that the ANC cannot rebuild without unity, discipline and a renewed spirit of service.
“This conference must be a turning point. We must abandon individualism and commit to collective leadership.”
She honoured late leaders Geoff Makhubo, Jolidee Matongo and Mpho Moerane, calling for the organisation to “break the curse” of past instability.
A Commitment to Serve All Residents
Masuku acknowledged that many voters have withdrawn their active support for the ANC but stressed that the organisation has an opportunity to reconnect with communities through humility, responsiveness and action.
“Our people want work, safety and dignity. As leaders, we commit to listen, to act and to serve all residents of this city.”
She closed her address with a rallying call inspired by struggle icon Lillian Ngoyi:
“I am a woman of action. I cannot fold my hands while others are busy making history.”
“Let us get to work.”