ActionSA Merger: Political Parties Unite
- ActionSA, a South African political party founded in 2020, experienced a decline in electoral support in the 2024 general election, falling short of its initial enterprising goals despite...
- ActionSA was founded by Herman Mashaba in August 2020, following his resignation as Mayor of Johannesburg and from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
- The 2024 South African general election saw ActionSA achieve 24 seats in the National assembly, securing 1.12% of the national vote.
actionsa’s Electoral Performance and Challenges
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ActionSA, a South African political party founded in 2020, experienced a decline in electoral support in the 2024 general election, falling short of its initial enterprising goals despite gains in certain areas. The party secured 24 seats in the National Assembly, a decrease from initial projections and a reflection of a complex political landscape.
Founding and Initial Goals of ActionSA
ActionSA was founded by Herman Mashaba in August 2020, following his resignation as Mayor of Johannesburg and from the Democratic Alliance (DA). ActionSA’s stated mission is to build a non-racial, South African nation state based on the principles of the Constitution, the rule of law, and a market economy. Mashaba initially aimed for ActionSA to become a major force in South African politics, targeting meaningful gains in the 2024 elections.
2024 General Election Results
The 2024 South African general election saw ActionSA achieve 24 seats in the National assembly, securing 1.12% of the national vote. News24 reported the final results on June 2,2024. While this represents an increase in seats compared to its performance in the 2019 elections (where it did not exist),it fell short of the party’s expectations of achieving a larger share of the vote. The party performed particularly well in gauteng, securing a significant number of seats in the provincial legislature.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
Several factors contributed to actionsa’s underperformance. Increased competition from new political entrants, such as the Patriotic Alliance, fragmented the opposition vote. Daily Maverick analysis highlights the Patriotic Alliance’s appeal to specific voter segments. Furthermore,the african National Congress (ANC) retained its majority,albeit with a reduced share of the vote,demonstrating continued support among a significant portion of the electorate. Internal challenges within ActionSA, including candidate selection processes and public perception of the party’s leadership, also played a role.
Gauteng Performance and Local Government Elections
ActionSA demonstrated its strongest performance in Gauteng province, securing 12 seats in the Gauteng Provincial legislature. IOL News reported on ActionSA’s gauteng success. This strong showing positions the party as a key player in potential coalition negotiations following the elections. The party is now focused on maximizing its influence in local government, particularly in municipalities where it can play a role in forming governing coalitions.
Coalition Negotiations and Future Outlook
Following the 2024 elections, ActionSA engaged in coalition negotiations with various parties, including the DA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Reuters reported on the coalition talks.The party ultimately entered into a coalition agreement with the DA and other parties to form a government of national unity,aiming to unseat the ANC. The success of this coalition will be crucial for ActionSA’s future prospects and its ability to implement its policy agenda. As of January 26, 2026, the government of national unity remains in place, facing ongoing challenges related to policy implementation and maintaining coalition stability.