JOHANNESBURG — The ANC Greater Johannesburg Region has been plunged into fresh turmoil following the alleged discovery of ballot papers from its disputed November regional conference at a private residence in Centurion, raising renewed concerns about internal election integrity and factional manipulation.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of an ANC already reeling from its historic loss of majority power nationally, as detailed in the 2024 election results where the ANC lost its 30-year majority, and heightened internal tensions following leadership changes across Gauteng.
The official stance: “The will of the branches is undermined”
Standing firm amid growing public skepticism, ANC Greater Johannesburg Regional Secretary Sasabona Manganye defended the legitimacy of the elected leadership and accused internal actors of deliberately undermining the organisation.
“The will of the branches is being undermined. The PTT is very quiet,” Manganye said, describing the presence of ballot papers at a private home — rather than under official party custody — as a direct attack on the ANC’s democratic processes.
According to party officials, ballot boxes linked to the conference that elected Loyiso Lugayeni-Masuku as regional chairperson were discovered on Sunday, January 25, 2026, prompting the involvement of police and senior ANC structures.
Masuku narrowly defeated Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero in a tightly contested race, securing 184 votes to Morero’s 149, becoming the first woman to lead the ANC Johannesburg region.
Senior ANC leadership urges caution
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has declined to draw conclusions, stressing that he is awaiting a full report before commenting.
“This matter has to be processed and then I’ll get the report. Much as you would respond, allow me to get the report first. I know you would like an instant answer, but some of these matters, one has to give consideration to,” Ramaphosa told SABC News on the sidelines of the ANC NEC lekgotla in Ekurhuleni.
ANC Gauteng convenor of deployees Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who visited the Pretoria residence where the ballots were allegedly found, echoed that position.
“The ANC has processes that are tight enough to safeguard its own processes, and the ANC is an organisation that continually builds on any weaknesses that may arise and we have remedies for any weaknesses that may arise. There is recourse. The ANC will have to process and discuss the way forward,” Ntshavheni said.
She cautioned against premature conclusions while investigations remain underway.
Disputed conference and allegations of rigging
The Johannesburg regional conference has remained under a cloud since its conclusion, with Morero and his allies formally disputing the outcome and alleging manipulation.
In correspondence addressed to the Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, Morero demanded an investigation into the electoral process and the role of the Election Management Consulting Agency of Africa (EMCA), which oversaw the vote.
Morero alleged conflicts of interest involving EMCA founder Noluthando White, claims she has firmly denied, stating she resigned as an EMCA director in 2021 and has no political or personal alliance with Masuku.
The court of public opinion: ‘Let’s not be made kids’
While ANC leadership urges restraint, the reaction on social media has been unforgiving, with many South Africans openly questioning the authenticity of the discovery.
“There’s no such a thing as ballot papers being found at someone’s house. Especially after an ENTIRE MONTH. Those things were planted there… Let’s not be made kids.”
Others pointed to the physical condition of the ballots.
“This was clearly planted. It has been raining heavily in Pretoria the past few weeks yet these special ballots don’t get wet.”
Some critics also questioned the logic behind alleged electoral fraud.
“Let’s say the conference was ‘stolen’, you wouldn’t take the ballot papers with you home. Comrades usually burn them after conference.”
A broader crisis of trust
Beyond the immediate dispute, the Centurion ballot discovery has reignited a deeper debate about the ANC’s long-promised renewal agenda and the credibility of its internal democratic systems — particularly in Gauteng, where leadership battles have intensified following the formation of the provincial executive and cabinet after Panyaza Lesufi named Gauteng’s 10-member cabinet.
One political observer summed up the prevailing sentiment:
“The problem is that these revelations are consistent with the general pattern of long-running electoral irregularities, fraud, vote buying, and politics of the stomach. The senior office bearers themselves got their positions through vote buying… Should we now say the ANC renewal process is now in progress? Kuyiwaphi na?”
What happens next?
The ANC has confirmed that it is investigating the matter, though no timeline has been given for the outcome. Reports suggesting that attempts were made to burn the ballot papers have further intensified calls for accountability.
As the party grapples with internal divisions, declining public trust, and mounting political pressure, the Centurion ballot saga risks becoming another symbol of an organisation struggling to restore credibility.
Whether the ballots ultimately prove to be a smoking gun or a political plant, the episode underscores a sobering reality: for many South Africans, faith in the ANC’s internal democracy has already worn dangerously thin.
