ActionSA: R200k Demand for Party Membership
ActionSA Faces Internal Strife as Councillors Report Contract Demands
Johannesburg – ActionSA is facing a growing internal challenge as reports emerge of councillors being pressured to sign contracts stipulating a R200,000 penalty should they leave the party before the 2026 local government elections. The controversy, first reported by The Citizen, raises questions about the party’s internal stability and tactics ahead of crucial elections. The situation has already led to at least one resignation, with former councillor Gen Durand publicly stating she left after refusing to sign the agreement.
The Contract and the Allegations
According to Durand, councillors were recently summoned to a meeting in Johannesburg where they were presented with the contracts. The agreements, she claims, effectively bind them to ActionSA until after the 2026 local elections, with a financial penalty of R200,000 for early departure. Durand expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the contracts, stating she was not provided with a copy to review before being asked to sign. She described the contract as having “financial implications” and being “legally binding in nature.”
Sources close to the matter, as reported by The Citizen, have characterized the contracts as a “political pre-nup,” suggesting a deliberate attempt to prevent councillors from defecting to rival parties, particularly the Democratic Alliance (DA). Herman Mashaba, the leader of ActionSA, has publicly accused Helen Zille of the DA of actively attempting to poach his councillors. Although the party has not officially commented on the specifics of the contracts, the allegations point to a heightened sense of competition and political maneuvering within the South African political landscape.
Confirmed vs. Unclear
Confirmed:
- ActionSA councillors were presented with contracts.
- The contracts reportedly include a R200,000 penalty for leaving the party before the 2026 local government elections.
- Gen Durand resigned from ActionSA after refusing to sign the contract.
- Herman Mashaba has accused Helen Zille and the DA of attempting to recruit ActionSA councillors.
Unclear:
- The exact number of councillors who have signed the contracts remains unconfirmed.
- The full legal wording and enforceability of the contracts have not been independently verified.
- Whether the contracts are being applied uniformly to all ActionSA councillors is unclear.
- The extent to which councillors felt “forced” to sign the contracts is subject to individual accounts and has not been definitively established.
Background: ActionSA and the Political Landscape
ActionSA was founded in 2020 by Herman Mashaba, a former mayor of Johannesburg and businessman. The party positions itself as a non-racial, pro-business and law-and-order focused alternative to the established political parties in South Africa. It gained prominence in the 2021 local government elections, securing representation in several municipalities. The party’s emergence reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the African National Congress (ANC) and a desire for alternative political leadership.
The South African political landscape is highly competitive, with several parties vying for power. The DA is the largest opposition party, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) represent a significant force on the left. The ANC, which has governed South Africa since the complete of apartheid, has seen its support base erode in recent years due to corruption allegations and economic challenges. South African News provides an overview of the parties registered for the upcoming 2024 elections, highlighting the crowded field of contenders.
How the Process Works: Councillor Contracts and Party Discipline
It is not uncommon for political parties to require their representatives to adhere to certain codes of conduct or agreements. These agreements can range from confidentiality clauses to commitments to remain loyal to the party. However, the imposition of a substantial financial penalty for leaving the party, as alleged in this case, is a more unusual and potentially contentious practice.
Legally, the enforceability of such contracts would likely depend on several factors, including the specific wording of the agreement, whether it was entered into voluntarily, and whether it is considered to be against public policy. South African labor law too plays a role, as councillors are often considered employees of the municipality and may have certain rights and protections. The process of challenging such a contract would likely involve legal proceedings, potentially in the Labour Court.
Political Implications and What Happens Next
The controversy surrounding these contracts could have several political implications for ActionSA. It could damage the party’s reputation, particularly among voters who value transparency and individual freedom. It could also create internal divisions within the party, as councillors who are unhappy with the contracts may seek to leave or undermine the leadership.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether other councillors will come forward with similar complaints or whether the party will revise its approach. The issue is likely to be debated within ActionSA’s internal structures and could grow a public relations challenge for the party. The outcome could influence the party’s performance in the 2026 local government elections and its overall trajectory in South African politics. The DA, meanwhile, will likely continue to seek to expand its base and attract support from disillusioned voters across the political spectrum.
Durand has stated she was not planning to join the DA, but believes she was racially profiled. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about potential biases within the party.
Reader FAQ
Q: What is ActionSA?
A: ActionSA is a relatively latest political party in South Africa founded by Herman Mashaba, positioning itself as an alternative to the ANC and DA.
Q: What is the R200,000 penalty for?
A: The penalty is reportedly for ActionSA councillors who leave the party before the 2026 local government elections.
Q: Is this contract legally enforceable?
A: The enforceability of the contract is unclear and would likely depend on its specific terms and South African law.
Q: Has Herman Mashaba responded to the allegations?
A: Mashaba has accused the DA of poaching his councillors but has not directly addressed the specifics of the contracts.