Mashaba fires back over report claiming ActionSA wants Zille replaced in Joburg

In the wake of recent local government elections, a potential leadership change may be on the horizon for Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni metros in Gauteng, South Africa. The National Chairperson of ActionSA, Michael Beaumont, has reportedly met with both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the African National Congress (ANC) to discuss possible reconciliation and new coalition agreements.

ActionSA, which emerged as the fifth-largest party in the country with over 1.6 million votes, primarily coming from Gauteng metros, could play a crucial role in shaping the future leadership of these important cities. With no single party securing an outright majority, the easiest route for the ANC, DA, and ActionSA appears to be working together, excluding one of the parties.

ActionSA has reportedly made it clear that they will not allow Helen Zille to become mayor of Johannesburg if she insists on the position. The party's leader has openly expressed his desire to reclaim the mayoral seat in Joburg. Meanwhile, the ANC's Chief Whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli, has not ruled out a coalition with the DA but acknowledged that tensions from the DA's campaign against ActionSA in Joburg have left a bad taste with many leaders.

Tshwane's mayor, Nasiphi Moya, who was elected in 2024 and credited with a significant increase in ActionSA's support, is expected to remain in her position in coalition discussions. However, EFF leader Julius Malema has predicted that this may lead to a predicament, with ActionSA potentially having to choose between Nasiphi Moya and ANC mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has warned that the ANC will not compromise on its mayoral candidates, even if it means sacrificing a partnership with ActionSA. The party has acknowledged the success of ActionSA and Nasiphi Moya in Tshwane but remains firm in its stance. The ANC's implementation of several services in Ekurhuleni townships has not translated to a proportional increase in votes, and the party may retain the mayorship in this metro as well.

Coalition discussions between the ANC, DA, and ActionSA are expected to continue over the next two weeks, with the aim of forming a government that prioritizes service delivery while maintaining the principles of proportionality.