Johnnesburg – The New Year has begun on a positive note for the newly-elected ANC Johannesburg Regional Chairperson, Loyiso Masuku, after she won an urgent defamation case against her.
The judgment was handed down by the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg on December 31, 2025.
Masuku, who defeated Dada Morero to become the first woman to lead the Johannesburg region of the ANC, sought an interdict against political analyst and podcast host Phapano Phasha for making defamatory remarks about her in public.
Masuku sought R250 000 in damages.
Judge Mahomed J also ordered Phasha to publish a ‘clear and unequivocal’ retraction and apology within 24 hours, with the same prominence as the original publication and barred her from repeating the claims about Masuku’s alleged PPE cartel involvement or vote-buying.
The court did not award Masuku R250 000 in damages at this stage, referring the matter to oral evidence to determine the appropriate amount of compensation.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Greater Johannesburg Region welcomed the judgment. “This judgment is a clear victory for truth, dignity and revolutionary discipline. The era of attacking ANC leaders through gossip, social media hit-jobs and unsubstantiated allegations is over.”
Masuku’s election brought a breath of fresh air to the regional leadership of the ANC, and she now stands a chance of becoming the mayoral candidate for the ANC in next year’s local government elections.
She has held various roles in government, including in the City of Ekurhuleni and the Gauteng government under Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, and is currently the Finance MMC for the City of Johannesburg.
With her election, she could become the first female ANC mayor of Johannesburg.
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