ActionSA insists it will make its mark as a constructive opposition, saying the party will support progressive government policies but oppose measures that fail South Africans.

Five years since its establishment during lockdown, ActionSA reflects on its growth and its place in South Africa’s political landscape.

ActionSA has sought to clarify its relationship with the African National Congress (ANC) after it had said it would never work with the organisation.

ActionSA played a significant role in Dada Morero’s election as mayor of Johannesburg last year. In turn, the ANC supported the election of ActionSA Speaker of Council, Nobuhle Mthembu. However, the relationship ended this year.

Party leader Herman Mashaba says they only supported the ANC based on progressive policies.

“The Democratic Alliance wanted to blackmail the ANC to abandon the transformation policies. They wanted to support the ANC with their 2% VAT, on condition that the ANC abandons its transformation agenda. We demonstrated to the Democratic Alliance that they mustn’t think that with their money, and their propaganda and misinformation that they can hold this country to ransom and ensure that black people remain poor, like prior to 1994.”