ActionSA in North West has recently been hit by mass resignations from members of its Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).
The disgruntled members cited similar reasons to those that led to the resignation of Kuhlekwethu Maseko, former provincial campaigns manager and interim treasurer-general.
The members allege that their departure was prompted by the dictatorial leadership style of North West provincial chairperson, Kwena Mangope.
They claim that Mangope’s actions have resulted in low morale, internal conflicts, and a divide-and-rule approach that has led to the loss of quality leadership within the province.
In a statement, the group mentioned that they were issued with letters of termination with little time to respond, contrary to the three-day period prescribed by the party’s rules.
Attempts to address these concerns with Mangope, including requests for meetings, were reportedly ignored.
The group expressed that they were supporters of Maseko’s views and stance, which also focused on ethical leadership and party unity.
“They tried to make Kuhlekwethu Maseko seem like a rogue element by pinning the creation of a faction called Hisbola in ActionSA on him, while this is completely false as it was actually created by councillors in Joburg.
“This was simply because he raised critical issues, and for that, he received similar treatment to us,” one of the former members said.
While acknowledging that Mangope led the party to perform better in the North West than in other provinces, the group argued that his alleged totalitarianism, unconstitutional actions, cronyism, and elitist behaviour ultimately cost the party many votes.
They emphasised that the atmosphere within the party had become untenable, leading them to follow in Maseko’s footsteps and resign.
Responding to members allegations, Mangope said members did not resign but were in fact let go by the party’s highest decision-making body.
He said the party took a decision to terminate the membership of all 21 ActionSA members in the North West, effective immediately.
“This group, calling itself the ‘Save North West Campaign’, has failed to follow the party’s rules and code of conduct, and has continued to sow disunity and bringing the party into disrepute through unauthorised public statements and activities.
“These individuals are no longer members of ActionSA and are free to continue their political activities under the ‘Save North West Campaign’ banner. ActionSA calls upon all its members in the province to distance themselves from the activities of this formation, as it is not part of any structures of the party.
“The unity and integrity of ActionSA is of utmost importance, and we will not tolerate any actions that undermine these principles. We have taken this decisive step to maintain the cohesion and focus of our party as we continue to work towards serving the people of South Africa,” the provincial chairman added.
Kwena said ActionSA remained committed to its core values of ethical leadership, rule of law, and creating a better future for all South Africans.
He further said the would continue to engage with its members and the public in a professional and transparent manner, in line with its principles and the country’s democratic processes.
The Star