ActionSA is facing criticism over its approach to election debates after party leader Herman Mashaba withdrew from at least two public engagements involving other mayoral candidates.
The latest development has prompted the party to announce its own Gauteng Metro Mayoral Candidate Townhall, featuring several of its candidates in what it describes as a debate.
Mashaba’s decision not to participate in debates has drawn criticism from political opponents, including former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille, who is among the candidates contesting the City of Johannesburg mayoral race.
Mashaba previously said he would not share a platform with Zille, whom he has accused of dishonesty. Critics have dismissed the explanation and questioned whether ActionSA is prepared to defend its policies against its political rivals in open debates.
ActionSA Chairperson Michael Beaumont announced the party’s townhall on social media, saying it would feature an audience and unscripted questions.
“Tomorrow at 6pm ActionSA hosts its Gauteng Metro Mayoral Candidate Townhall, a live audience debate hosted by veteran journalist, Tim Modise, featuring unscripted questions minus the ‘Jerry Springer group therapy’ sessions held to date with too many candidates and too few ideas,” Beaumont said.
The event is expected to feature Tshwane mayoral candidate Nasiphi Moya and Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo, alongside Mashaba.
Veteran broadcaster Tim Modise has been named as the moderator.
Zille also criticised Mashaba after he withdrew from an election debate in Cape Town.
“I popped into CT today for The Gathering’s election debate. Surprisingly Herman Mashaba accepted. Unsurprisingly, he withdrew. You can’t run an election campaign behind a keyboard, Herman. Nor with racial slurs. Let’s debate our plans. Joburg deserves rationality,” Zille said.
Mashaba has previously been a prominent critic of the DA and its leadership, despite having served as mayor of Johannesburg under the DA-led administration.
ActionSA has also faced criticism over its policy positions and campaign messaging, with opponents accusing the party of adopting elements of other parties’ manifestos and talking points. These claims have particularly been levelled at its positions on crime, governance and immigration.
The party has rejected suggestions that it lacks a distinct policy platform and has positioned itself as an alternative to South Africa’s established political parties.
With local government elections approaching, the dispute over debates highlights the growing political contest for major metros, where parties are seeking to convince voters that they can address issues including crime, service delivery, corruption and unemployment.
Mashaba’s participation in future debates remains a key point of interest as ActionSA attempts to strengthen its campaign ahead of the elections.