The City of Johannesburg has elected Loyiso Masuku as its first Executive Deputy Mayor (EDM) during the 36th Ordinary Council Meeting on Thursday.
Masuku was elected unopposed after Council approved the creation of the new position a move aimed at strengthening executive leadership and improving governance in South Africa’s economic hub.
In her new role, Masuku will support Executive Mayor Dada Morero in coordinating key programmes, strengthening oversight across municipal departments and entities, and accelerating service delivery across the metro.
The establishment of the Executive Deputy Mayor position comes amid ongoing political instability and coalition governance challenges that have affected Johannesburg since the 2021 local government elections. Frequent leadership changes, shifting coalitions and administrative disruptions have contributed to delays in service delivery and oversight gaps.
In a statement the City say the new role is intended to improve coordination within the executive, ensure continuity in governance, and enhance accountability across departments and municipal entities.
Johannesburg, the country’s financial and economic centre, faces persistent challenges including infrastructure deterioration, electricity and water supply disruptions, waste management backlogs, and financial pressures.
The ANC in the Greater Johannesburg region has welcomed the election of Masuku.
Regional Secretary, Sasabona Manganye, has described Masuku as an experienced leader who rose through the ranks of the organisation.
“Its well deserving position given her experience in local government, she is a seasoned councillor who has played her role in same chamber,” Manganye said.
He said she has a post matric qualification “which demonstrates that you are dealing with someone who has an academic background that enables her to do her work better.”
She graduated at Wits Tech now known as University of Johannesburg.
The Speaker of Council confirmed that Masuku’s swearing-in ceremony will take place during Thursday’s council sitting.
The City says the creation of the position underscores its commitment to building a capable, responsive administration that delivers tangible results for residents.
