{
  "id": 19480867,
  "title": "Mashaba says ActionSA has replaced ANC as the hope of ‘black’ South Africans, as coalition talks continue",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/mashaba-says-actionsa-has-replaced-anc-as-the-hope-of-black-south",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T10:13:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/elections/mashaba-says-actionsa-has-replaced-anc-as-the-hope-of-black-south-africans/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Herman Mashaba, the president of ActionSA, claims that his party is now the hope for black South Africans, as it has replaced the ANC in popularity. Mashaba stated that his party has gained ground in most townships throughout the country during recent local government elections. He criticized the ANC for betraying its constituency, asserting that ActionSA aims to restore dignity to black people. Mashaba is confident that his party will bridge the gap between black and white South Africans. While he is open to coalition talks with the ANC, Mashaba has set conditions for discussions with the Democratic Alliance (DA). The DA leader, Helen Zille, and the Tshwane leader, Cilliers Brink, have been labeled as racist and disrespectful by Mashaba, who stated that he cannot work with them. Mashaba's party experienced a 13% increase in Tshwane, where they gained 48 seats in the council. He praised Mayor Nasiphi Moya for her achievements and expressed pride in ActionSA's potential under his leadership. President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly discussed potential coalition options with the ANC's national working committee, which may include ActionSA, and he is expected to receive support from the NEC. However, some DA members believe that a coalition with the ANC in Johannesburg could be more stable than working with ActionSA, as the DA is currently the leading party in terms of votes (34.79%). Former ANC president Thabo Mbeki has called for reflection on the party's decline in the local government elections.",
  "summary": "Mashaba says his team of negotiators has already begun engagements with the ANC on coalitions.",
  "key_points": [
    "ActionSA claims to replace ANC as hope for black South Africans.",
    "Party gained 13% in Tshwane, securing 48 council seats.",
    "Mashaba sets conditions for coalition talks with DA, rejects Zille and Brink."
  ],
  "editors_take": "ActionSA's growing popularity in townships positions the party as a significant new contender for the ANC's traditional constituency while complicating the landscape for potential governing coalitions.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Black Friday 2026: Four online shopping scams South Africans need to watch out for",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/black-friday-2026-four-online-shopping-scams-south-africans-need-to",
        "published": "2026-11-11T08:35:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}