Loyiso Masuku is a dedicated South African politician who has made history in Johannesburg’s leadership. She currently serves as the Deputy Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, a position she took on February 26, 2026. This role makes her the first person to hold the deputy mayor title in the city. Before this, she was the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance and the Chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in the Greater Johannesburg region. Her election as ANC regional chairperson in December 2025 marked her as the first woman to lead the party in that position.
Masuku’s rise shows her strong commitment to public service. She focuses on better governance, service delivery, and financial management in one of South Africa’s biggest cities. Her story inspires many, especially women in politics, as she breaks barriers while working to improve life for Johannesburg residents.
Loyiso Masuku Early Life and Background
Loyiso Masuku was born in Butterworth, a town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This area, once part of the Transkei region, is known for its rural setting and strong community ties. She grew up in a modest family, raised mainly by her single mother. Her early years were spent in Butterworth, and she later moved to Matatiele, another town in the Eastern Cape.
Life in these areas taught her the value of hard work and community support. The Eastern Cape has produced many leaders in South Africa, and Masuku’s background helped shape her interest in helping others. Growing up during a time of big changes in the country after apartheid, she saw the need for fair leadership and better services in communities. These experiences built her strong sense of responsibility and drive to enter public life.
Loyiso Masuku Education
Masuku worked hard on her studies to prepare for a career in public service. She earned a B-Tech degree from Technikon Witwatersrand, now part of the University of Johannesburg. This qualification gave her solid skills in her field of study.
She continued her learning with a postgraduate diploma in African Studies and Public Policy from the University of Johannesburg. These subjects helped her understand South Africa’s history, politics, and ways to make good policies.
She also completed certificates in Gender Mainstreaming in the public service and Municipal Leaders Media and Stakeholder Engagements. These added practical knowledge on including women in government work and communicating with the public. Her education gave her the tools to handle complex issues in municipal governance and leadership.
Career
Masuku started her political journey in student politics. She served as a campus coordinator for the South African Students Congress (SASCO) while studying. This role introduced her to activism and organizing for change.
She then rose in the ANC structures. She became the Regional Secretary of the ANC Youth League in Johannesburg. Later, she joined the ANC Women’s League in the Florence Mophosho branch. These positions helped her build experience in party work and community outreach.
Before her key roles in Johannesburg, she worked in government administration. She held positions in the Executive Mayor’s Office in Ekurhuleni and in the Gauteng Office of the Premier. These jobs gave her hands-on knowledge of how municipalities run.
In Johannesburg, she served as MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services before moving to MMC for Finance in August 2025. In that role, she focused on budget management, revenue collection, and fiscal discipline to support better services for residents.
Her biggest step came in December 2025 at the ANC’s 16th Greater Johannesburg Regional Conference. She won the chairperson position with 184 votes against 149 for the incumbent, making her the first female ANC regional chairperson in Johannesburg.
On February 26, 2026, the City Council elected her unopposed as the first Deputy Executive Mayor. The Finance MMC portfolio was merged into this new office to strengthen executive support and oversight.
Appointment
The deputy mayor position was created to help handle the growing demands of running Johannesburg. The idea came from a 2023 proposal by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, but it was acted on in 2026.
Masuku’s election happened during a City Council session on February 26, 2026. No one opposed her nomination, so the process was quick and smooth. She accepted the role formally and was sworn in soon after.
In her new position, she assists the mayor with executive duties. This includes helping oversee departments, improving service delivery, and ensuring continuity in governance. The merged finance responsibilities allow her to keep guiding the city’s fiscal matters while supporting broader leadership needs.
This appointment came after her success as ANC regional chairperson and reflects trust in her ability to contribute to stable and effective city management.
Personal Life
Loyiso Masuku is married to Bandile Masuku, a medical doctor and fellow ANC member who formerly served as Gauteng MEC for Health. The couple has three sons: Amukelani, Zibuse, and Zwelethu-Che. They live in Alberton, Gauteng.
Balancing family and a demanding political career is not easy, but Masuku has spoken about the importance of communication and support in marriage. In past interviews, she and her husband shared insights on family life alongside public roles.
The family faced public attention in 2020 due to a Covid-19 PPE tender matter linked to her husband’s department. Investigations, including by the Special Investigating Unit, cleared her of any wrongdoing or personal benefit. The ANC also cleared her after review, allowing her to return to duties. She has always stressed her focus on honest service.
Conclusion
Loyiso Masuku’s path from a small town in the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg’s first Deputy Executive Mayor shows what dedication and education can achieve. As the first woman to lead the ANC in Johannesburg and now in this key city role, she stands as an example of progress for women in leadership.
Her work centers on practical improvements like better finances and services for residents. Looking ahead, she continues to push for unity, accountability, and real change in one of Africa’s major cities. Readers can follow her efforts as Johannesburg works toward stronger governance.
FAQs
Who is Loyiso Masuku?
Loyiso Masuku is a South African politician from the ANC. She serves as Johannesburg’s first Deputy Executive Mayor since February 26, 2026. She is also the first female ANC Greater Johannesburg regional chairperson, elected in December 2025.
Where was Loyiso Masuku born?
She was born in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She grew up there and later in Matatiele, raised by her single mother.
What is Loyiso Masuku’s education?
She holds a B-Tech degree from Technikon Witwatersrand and a postgraduate diploma in African Studies and Public Policy from the University of Johannesburg. She also has certificates in gender mainstreaming and municipal leadership engagement.
How did Loyiso Masuku start her political career?
Her career began in student politics with SASCO. She later became ANC Youth League Regional Secretary in Johannesburg and joined the ANC Women’s League.
When was Loyiso Masuku elected ANC Johannesburg chairperson?
She was elected on December 5, 2025, at the ANC’s regional conference, winning against the incumbent with 184 votes to 149.
What does the Deputy Mayor of Johannesburg do?
The deputy mayor assists the executive mayor with leadership duties, supports service delivery, and provides oversight. In Masuku’s case, it includes former finance responsibilities to help manage the city’s complex needs.
Who is Loyiso Masuku married to?
She is married to Bandile Masuku, a former Gauteng Health MEC. They have three sons.
Has Loyiso Masuku faced any controversies?
In 2020, she was linked to a PPE tender issue in her husband’s department. Investigations cleared her of any involvement or benefit, and she was reinstated after ANC review.