In a fiery address, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba expressed his unwavering stance against aligning with what he termed as “toxic marriages in South Africa’s political sphere. Mashaba, known for his no-nonsense approach, emphasized that his party would not compromise its values by entering coalitions with what he described as a “criminal enterprise, a veiled reference to the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Speaking at a press briefing in Johannesburg, Mashaba warned that political alliances must serve the public good and not be driven by self-interest. We cannot afford to engage in toxic political marriages that benefit the elite while the people of South Africa suffer,” he stated. For too long, South Africa has been held hostage by corruption, maladministration, and a failure to deliver on basic services.
Mashaba’s remarks come amidst growing debate about political coalitions ahead of the 2024 national elections. With many municipalities in disarray due to coalition failures, the question of who ActionSA would partner with remains a hot topic. However, Mashaba has been clear in his position, saying that he would rather see ActionSA remain in opposition than partner with a party implicated in corruption and mismanagement. The ANC has become a criminal enterprise, Mashaba declared. Its leaders have repeatedly been linked to corrupt activities, and working with them would be a betrayal to the citizens who demand clean governance and accountability.
Mashaba also drew attention to the impact of political failures on ordinary South Africans, particularly in service delivery, where communities have been left without basic necessities such as water, electricity, and proper infrastructure. He further cautioned that the 2024 elections would present a critical moment for voters to reject corrupt alliances and make decisions that put the country first.
However, Mashaba did not rule out the possibility of working with other opposition parties, provided they shared a commitment to transparency and anti-corruption. We are willing to form coalitions with parties that prioritize integrity and good governance, but we will never be part of an alliance that involves looting from the people of South Africa. With his strong stance, Mashaba has positioned ActionSA as a party that will not be swayed by opportunistic political deals but will instead focus on principles that benefit the public. As the election date draws near, his words are likely to resonate with voters tired of the status quo and eager for meaningful change.
