DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille welcomed 34 new members in Soweto.
Image: Tomothy Bernard/Independent Newspapers
A PR councillor who resigned from ActionSA to join the Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has described his former party as a “power-mongering organisation” that lacks representation in Parliament.
The remarks were made on Thursday morning in Soweto, where DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille welcomed 34 new members during what the DA called a significant political development.
Among those who joined the DA were former ActionSA PR councillor for Ward 48, Mandla Nyaqela, and former Ward 37 chairperson Sipho Magubane.
A group of alleged ActionSA members, both men and women, were seen removing their green party regalia and receiving DA T-shirts from Zille.
“It’s an enormous occasion today because these are councillors, branch chairs and branch members of ActionSA, primarily from Soweto, who have fought very hard and very long about their future, but most importantly the future of their city,” Zille said.
“They know that, having tried the alternatives, there is only one party that can lead Johannesburg to success for everyone and a better life for everyone, and that party is the blue party.
“We love every South African, we love Johannesburg, and we work for all its people. I want to thank Mandla and Sipho Magubane, and other members who are here today, for their courage, conviction and determination.”
Former ActionSA PR councillor Mandla Nyaqela has joined the Democratic Alliance in Gauteng, accusing his former party of selling hope while lacking real political power.
Image: Timothy Bernard/Independent Newspapers
In his address, Nyaqela described the DA as a “progressive organisation”.
“Former activists of ActionSA, you are now members of a progressive organisation. It is time we tell residents the truth.”
“ActionSA is selling hope to the residents of the City of Johannesburg, but I was on the inside, and I know they do not have power,” he said.
“It is a power-mongering organisation that is hoping for your vote to reach its own selfish political gains. Only the Democratic Alliance can take this country forward.”
Nyaqela said he had not been expelled from ActionSA but had resigned as a councillor on Thursday morning.
“I do not want to continue lying to the residents of Dobsonville that they must keep voting for ActionSA and later regret it. I know that the residents of Dobsonville, Soweto at large and the country at large understand that in the next local government elections, if you vote for the Democratic Alliance, you will be voting for progress,” he said.
“People want service delivery, jobs, water and electricity. Where will ActionSA get all of that? They do not have power even in Parliament. We are lying to you. The lies come to an end.”
According to the DA, 32 branch members have left ActionSA to join the party.
DA Joburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille welcomed 34 new members in Soweto.
Image: Timothy Bernard/Independent Newspapers