ActionSA
Johannesburg – ActionSA has taken tough steps to clean house, firing 22 councillors across Gauteng’s metros for not meeting performance standards. The party let go of 18 from Johannesburg, two from Tshwane, and two from Ekurhuleni.
This shake-up comes as ActionSA gears up for the 2026 local government elections, aiming to show voters it means business on accountability. At an event in Tembisa on Saturday, party president Herman Mashaba made it clear there is no room for slackers. “I am sure if you guys (media) go to your libraries you will see herman mashaba, personally, at the beginning of this year, going from all the caucuses, regions and provinces – making sure that people understand that we going to put them on kpi’s (key perfomance index) and those who do not meet a certain bar, unfortunately we have to remove them and bring in those who are able, capable to serve society,” Mashaba said. With elections on the horizon, this move sends a strong message about putting service first in a province facing big challenges like poor infrastructure and high joblessness.
The dismissals highlight ActionSA’s push for better governance in metros where it holds sway through coalitions. As South Africans grow fed up with slow delivery, parties like ActionSA are betting that tough calls on their own ranks will win trust. Mashaba’s team vows to keep a close eye on new reps to avoid repeats, setting a bar that could pressure rivals to follow suit.
Details of the Councillor Purge
The firings kicked off on Monday, 29 September 2025, starting with at least seven in Johannesburg for failing key performance areas (KPAs). By the end of the week, the total hit 22 across Gauteng’s three big metros. Johannesburg took the biggest hit with 18 exits, while Tshwane and Ekurhuleni each lost two. This province-wide clean-out targeted those not pulling their weight, based on reviews set up earlier in the year.
Mashaba had warned his team from the start of 2025, visiting caucuses to lay out KPIs and make it clear underperformers would face the axe. The party sees this as key to building a stronger base for the upcoming polls, where it hopes to grow its footprint. Critics say such moves show internal cracks, but supporters call it a bold step for real change.
Mashaba’s Message at Tembisa Event
Speaking to crowds in Tembisa on Saturday, Mashaba doubled down on his no-nonsense approach. He stressed that ActionSA is all about serving people, not holding onto dead wood. The event, part of the party’s ramp-up for local elections, drew locals keen on better services in areas hit by issues like water cuts and bad roads.
Mashaba’s words rang out: the party will swap out anyone not up to scratch with capable folks ready to deliver. This fits ActionSA’s pitch as a fresh alternative to old politics, focusing on crime, jobs, and clean governance. With Tembisa’s mix of urban and township vibes, the message hit home for many facing daily struggles.
Push for Accountability and Election Strategy
This purge is no accident – it ties straight into ActionSA’s game plan for 2026. The party, born in 2020, made waves in the last local polls by grabbing seats in key metros through coalitions. Now, with eyes on more gains, Mashaba’s crew is weeding out weak links to prove they walk the talk on performance.
The move also spotlights Gauteng’s governance woes, where metros like Johannesburg have faced budget messes and service flops. ActionSA has slammed ANC-led rules for shaky finances and neglect, using this as ammo to rally voters. By firing their own, they aim to stand out as the party that puts people first.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube