It is refreshing to see a political movement that doesn’t cling to power for the sake of it. In announcing the opening of nominations for the Johannesburg mayoral candidate, ActionSA has sent a clear message that this is not about one man’s ambition, but about listening to the electorate and building for the future.
As ActionSA’s National Chairperson Michael Beaumont confirmed, “It was at Mashaba’s request that an open nomination process be pursued to ensure that the party considers all possible options for a credible candidate to lead Johannesburg.” That statement says everything about Mashaba’s character, a leader who is not threatened by new ideas, and who is confident enough to open the floor for others to shine.
Mashaba has long been portrayed as someone hungry for change rather than just hungry for a title. By saying he will reflect on standing again rather than assuming he should automatically be the candidate, he has shown humility, maturity and a recognition that leadership means grooming others, not just holding onto power.
Today, across South Africa, people are tired. They’re weary of recycled faces, old promises and stagnant politics. The call for younger, fresh, dedicated leaders is loud and persistent. And ActionSA is stepping into that space. Opening nominations invites new voices, new ideas and new energy into the political arena. It says…we trust you, we want you; and we’re ready for change.
In Mashaba’s own words, “We are not here to coronate anyone. We are here to build a movement that will outlive us and be led by the best among us.” Those words reflect a leader who understands that legacy is built by empowering others, not by clinging to titles.
What’s more, the timing couldn’t be more apt. ActionSA recently trended on X, driven by people eager to join, to get membership links and forms. The buzz followed the appointment of Xolani Khumalo, a community activist known for exposing drug lords, not a career politician, as Mayor of Ekurhuleni. That moment told a powerful story that this is a party that values civic courage, fresh talent and real community impact.
Similarly, the City of Tshwane (COT) offers another shining example of what happens when visionary leadership meets courage to act. When ActionSA supported the appointment of Dr Nasiphi Moya, a relatively unknown figure a year ago Mashaba was mocked and accused of plotting to make himself mayor after removing Cilliers Brink. Yet, only a year later, Dr Moya has become a household name across South Africa. Her popularity stems not from political theatrics, but from a remarkable turnaround in service delivery and governance within the metro.
Under her leadership, Tshwane has seen a reduction of over 80% in water-leak repair backlogs, restoration of thousands of streetlights, and major upgrades to substations that have improved power stability. Her inclusive approach, focusing on service delivery to all residents regardless of area or background, has reignited hope in the capital city. Dr Moya’s first year stands as testament to what happens when leaders are chosen for competence, not connections and Mashaba’s courage in trusting emerging leaders like her has paid off in full view of the nation.
This is the kind of leadership that will attract the disillusioned and the frustrated, those who are done with conventional politics and the status quo. ActionSA has carved out space as the party of choice for those who believe in accountability, service and transformation.
By opening nominations, Herman Mashaba and ActionSA are giving substance to their claims. They are demonstrating that the future of leadership in Johannesburg and indeed South Africa, will not be handed down in a closed corridor, but earned by competent, passionate people who are ready to serve.
This is a very bold move. One that says we’re ready to relinquish power in favour of purpose. We’re ready to invest in people. We’re ready to usher in a new era. And that is why, if you’re frustrated with politics as usual, your eyes should be on ActionSA.
When a leader steps back, it’s true leadership and that’s what ActionSA’s Mashaba bold move shows
It is refreshing to see a political movement that doesn’t cling to power for the sake of it. In announcing the opening of nominations for the Johannesburg mayoral candidate, ActionSA has sent a clear message that this is not about one man’s ambition, but about listening to the electorate and building for the future.
As ActionSA’s National Chairperson Michael Beaumont confirmed, “It was at Mashaba’s request that an open nomination process be pursued to ensure that the party considers all possible options for a credible candidate to lead Johannesburg.” That statement says everything about Mashaba’s character, a leader who is not threatened by new ideas, and who is confident enough to open the floor for others to shine.
Mashaba has long been portrayed as someone hungry for change rather than just hungry for a title. By saying he will reflect on standing again rather than assuming he should automatically be the candidate, he has shown humility, maturity and a recognition that leadership means grooming others, not just holding onto power.
Today, across South Africa, people are tired. They’re weary of recycled faces, old promises and stagnant politics. The call for younger, fresh, dedicated leaders is loud and persistent. And ActionSA is stepping into that space. Opening nominations invites new voices, new ideas and new energy into the political arena. It says…we trust you, we want you; and we’re ready for change.
In Mashaba’s own words, “We are not here to coronate anyone. We are here to build a movement that will outlive us and be led by the best among us.” Those words reflect a leader who understands that legacy is built by empowering others, not by clinging to titles.
What’s more, the timing couldn’t be more apt. ActionSA recently trended on X, driven by people eager to join, to get membership links and forms. The buzz followed the appointment of Xolani Khumalo, a community activist known for exposing drug lords, not a career politician, as Mayor of Ekurhuleni. That moment told a powerful story that this is a party that values civic courage, fresh talent and real community impact.
Similarly, the City of Tshwane (COT) offers another shining example of what happens when visionary leadership meets courage to act. When ActionSA supported the appointment of Dr Nasiphi Moya, a relatively unknown figure a year ago Mashaba was mocked and accused of plotting to make himself mayor after removing Cilliers Brink. Yet, only a year later, Dr Moya has become a household name across South Africa. Her popularity stems not from political theatrics, but from a remarkable turnaround in service delivery and governance within the metro.
Under her leadership, Tshwane has seen a reduction of over 80% in water-leak repair backlogs, restoration of thousands of streetlights, and major upgrades to substations that have improved power stability. Her inclusive approach, focusing on service delivery to all residents regardless of area or background, has reignited hope in the capital city. Dr Moya’s first year stands as testament to what happens when leaders are chosen for competence, not connections and Mashaba’s courage in trusting emerging leaders like her has paid off in full view of the nation.
This is the kind of leadership that will attract the disillusioned and the frustrated, those who are done with conventional politics and the status quo. ActionSA has carved out space as the party of choice for those who believe in accountability, service and transformation.
By opening nominations, Herman Mashaba and ActionSA are giving substance to their claims. They are demonstrating that the future of leadership in Johannesburg and indeed South Africa, will not be handed down in a closed corridor, but earned by competent, passionate people who are ready to serve.
This is a very bold move. One that says we’re ready to relinquish power in favour of purpose. We’re ready to invest in people. We’re ready to usher in a new era. And that is why, if you’re frustrated with politics as usual, your eyes should be on ActionSA.