ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has attributed his party’s strong showing in the local government elections to its decision to support the removal of Cilliers Brink as Tshwane mayor, a move that paved the way for Nasiphi Moya to take over and win the support of residents.
Mashaba briefed the media at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand after his party emerged in fifth position as election results continued to trickle in.
Mashaba believes that supporting Brink’s removal was one of the best political decisions the party has made.
“I think our decision in 2024 to remove that arrogant celebrity from Tshwane has paid dividends and has given that black woman called Dr Nasiphi Moya an opportunity to serve,” Mashaba said.
“When we deployed her in Tshwane, I knew her technical personality, I knew her technical abilities, but I did not know how brave and ethical she is,” he said.
Indications are that all three Gauteng metros will have to be governed through coalition arrangements. ActionSA has said it is willing to work with any political party that agrees to prioritise fighting corruption, extending services to previously excluded communities and addressing illegal immigration.
Mashaba also praised crime-fighter and television personality Xolani Khumalo, whom he personally recruited, for helping the party connect with communities in Ekurhuleni.
“But then the cherry on top came last year when, all of a sudden, I got a call from Xolani Khumalo, whom I had never met before, but knew of. He came to my office with his wife, representing the Xolani Khumalo Foundation, asking for help.
“And I listened to him, and we went into a discussion. I realised that this young man honestly needed to be given a platform to serve on a bigger stage.
“And I said to him, ‘Xolani, you know what, I’m unemployed. I don’t work; I rely on my family to support me. Give me a chance to think about it and speak to my family. Can I call you in a week or two?’
“We met, and instead of saying, ‘Xolani, here’s the cheque’, I said, ‘Xolani, the people of Ekurhuleni need you. The people of Tembisa need you’,” Mashaba said.