'ActionSA will never participate in this bloated government' - Herman Mashaba
The opposition party leader opens up about his upbringing, personal politics, leading by example and more.
ActionSA's Herman Mashaba in studio on 21 May 2025. Photo: CapeTalk
CapeTalk's Clarence Ford speaks to ActionSA President Herman Mashaba.
Listen below:
An 'unapologetic capitalist crusader', Mashaba grew up during apartheid and learned early on how to see opportunities through the darkness.
The self-made, millionaire businessman-turned-politician felt a need to 'pay back to society', saying it's important for businesses that make money to have a social conscience.
"If you look at the growth of my business from the mid-'80s, I grew my business by supporting community-based projects."
- Herman Mashaba, President - ActionSA
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On the role that business can play in politics, Mashaba is passionate about the potential efficiency it brings to government, but also emphasises the importance of doing it for the right reasons.
"I did not accept to be the mayor of the City of Johannesburg because I was after tenders... I went into politics because I was concerned with the level of deep-rooted corruption happening in our country."
- Herman Mashaba, President - ActionSA
Reflecting on his time in the Democratic Alliance, Mashaba shares some of the issues that eventually led to him leaving the party, including the DA's economic policies and how the party wanted to deal with poverty in the country.
"They did not realise I've got a social conscience..."
- Herman Mashaba, President - ActionSA
Mashaba also weighed in on the situation in Gaza and SA's case at the ICJ, saying it's a 'difficult and complex situation' that needs dialogue and leadership to enable the parties to co-exist peacefully.
Voicing his concerns on the criminal elements that take advantage of SA's liberal laws, Mashaba feels it might be time to revisit our Constitution.
He concludes by reiterating the need to deal with corruption and the need for a truly independent criminal justice system.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.