ActionSA leader Mashaba defends party’s decision to work with ANC at local govt level

JOHANNESBURG - ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has defended his party’s decision to work with the African National Congress (ANC) in local government, saying its constituencies are in support of the move.

Mashaba said the party has agreed to join hands with the ANC in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni on an issue-by-issue basis.

ALSO READ:

- ActionSA eyes Speaker positions in Joburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni

- After opting to work with ANC in Joburg, ActionSA wants R200 electricity surcharge removed

- ActionSA says it will work with ANC in Joburg, if Gwamanda is removed as mayor

This is despite Mashaba’s frequently mentioned views on the ANC, accusing it of running the country and service delivery to the ground.

“The ANC, EFF [Economic Freedom Fighters] and the MK [uMkhonto weSizwe Party] – those are the parties, for us as ActionSA, we will never work with those parties.”

This was Mashaba just over a month ago, vowing to never share a bed with the ANC in any sphere of government.

In an about turn, Mashaba said the political space had changed since then, justifying the party’s decision to work with the ANC in Johannesburg.

“We have asked the ANC that if it’s got any other inputs, they are more than welcome. If they make sense, we are here to listen.”

Mashaba, however, said ActionSA would remain critical of the ANC and its poor governance despite its new relationship with the party.