ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has firmly ruled out joining the new centrist party being formed by Build One South Africa, Rise Mzansi and GOOD party.
Speaking to Sunday World, Mashaba said the proposal to bring ActionSA on board was not convincing.
“It is a big no. We will not be part of what they are planning to do but we do support their plans and hope that they will be successful in moving out the ANC and DA in local government.
“They did approach us and what they brought forth did not make sense to us. Moreover, we are an independent party that believes in what we do. We are not going to sacrifice that,” Mashaba said.
He explained that ActionSA was currently focused on preparing its own mayoral candidates and strengthening its structures ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Sunday’s big reveal
He said they are moving at their own pace, preparing to announce other mayoral candidates for Johannesburg and Tshwane, with the Ekurhuleni candidate announced on Saturday. This is among other municipalities they are contesting.
“We have a plan and we cannot be distracted from that plan. What they told us did not align with what we want. So, while we are not part, I do wish to see them doing well because as ActionSA we are not about opposing but advocating for action for our people,” Mashaba said.
Rising as One
Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi confirmed that Rise Mzansi, together with Mmusi Maimane-led Build One South Africa (BOSA) and Patricia De Lille’s GOOD party, would launch the new party today – Sunday, in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
He said the idea was to unite the three parties, along with other smaller ones, to contest the 2026 local elections.
Zibi explained that the move would not affect the identity of the three parties at national level, as members would be allowed to hold dual membership.
“Remember that we had Axolile Notywala in the Western Cape as our premier candidate but he also served as councillor for GOOD at the Cape Town City Council. This is allowed and we might be taking a similar approach,” Zibi said.
“This does not mean that the parties in the GNU would have to leave or those that are not in the GNU would be forced to join. It is at local level and we hope the unity would also continue in future, beyond the upcoming elections,” he added.
He said they still hope to recruit other parties into this union.
