ActionSA President Herman Mashaba has issued a strongly worded statement declaring that his party will not be dictated to by other political parties, commentators or supporters of rival organisations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Mashaba said political disagreements must be distinguished from outright disrespect. He added that he had reached a point where he would no longer remain silent while people attempted to “bully, undermine and dictate” to him and the organisation he leads.
His remarks come amid growing tensions between ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance (DA), particularly over his demand that the party withdraw Helen Zille and Cilliers Brink as its mayoral candidates for Johannesburg and Tshwane, respectively.
“Let me make this absolutely clear: ActionSA is an independent political party. We are not an extension of the DA, the ANC, the EFF or any other political organisation. We are not a political project that requires permission from other parties to make decisions,” he said in an open letter.
“We have our own leadership, our own principles, our own supporters and, most importantly, a responsibility to the millions of South Africans who have placed their trust in us,” Mashaba added.
He said he was increasingly concerned about what he described as the arrogance with which certain commentators, political personalities and even supporters of other political parties had treated ActionSA.
The statement comes as coalition negotiations intensify across the country following the 2026 Local Government Elections. ActionSA increased its representation in several municipalities, including securing four seats in Lepelle-Nkumpi and making gains in other key councils, positioning the party as a sought-after coalition partner.
Mashaba’s message appears to be a clear signal to both the ANC and the DA that ActionSA intends to negotiate coalition agreements on its own terms and will not be pressured into arrangements that compromise its principles.
The statement also highlights the party’s determination to maintain its political independence rather than be viewed as an extension of either the DA or the ANC.
In hung councils across Gauteng, Limpopo and other provinces, ActionSA’s seats could prove decisive in determining who assumes mayoral positions.
Mashaba’s remarks suggest that the party will not be rushed into coalition agreements, accept ultimatums or compromise on its manifesto commitments, particularly those relating to service delivery, fighting corruption and professionalising municipalities.
ActionSA has yet to announce its final coalition positions.