Magashule’s party unlikely to have an impact on the ANC: Analyst

August 30, 2023 73

Political analyst, Professor Dirk Kotze, says former ANC Secretary-General and Free State Premier, Ace Magashule’s decision to form his own party has little to no potential of having any impact on the governing party.

Professor Kotze says, as far as he can see, this venture will resemble other ANC break away parties.

Earlier today Magashule launched his new political party called the African Congress for Transformation (ACT), outside Sakhumzi restaurant in Soweto.

Professor Kotze says there is simply no space for another party to make any inroads on the ANC or any other party.

Magashule’s political party launch came months after his expulsion from the ANC.

He was axed from the party in June after he failed to make representations to the national disciplinary committee on why his membership shouldn’t be revoked.

The former secretary-general says his new party will represent South Africans from all walks of life and races, including former struggle veterans who fought for the country’s liberation.

A notable member of the party is General Berning Ntlemeza, the former Head of Hawks, whose appointment was nullified by the Pretoria High Court in April 2017.

Magashule says his party is a home for everyone who is searching for a political home.

Ace Magashule effectively rebranded the African Transformation Movement (ATM) into the Africa Congress of Transformation (ACT) with the intention of confusing some ANC voters. What's Zungula's role going to be now? pic.twitter.com/uXlr1YdBaI

— Abuti Josef🇿🇦 (@AbutiJosef) August 30, 2023

Magashule also used the opportunity to take a swipe at the ANC, saying sadly one of the oldest organisation in the country has abandoned its position and is straying further from it.

He counted current and former members of the ANC who were, as he termed it sidelined for the positions they chose, that include the late Mama’Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, former president Jacob Zuma and EFF leader Julius Malema.

Magashule says various political party leaders have also been approached to join forces with his party and the ANC has been notified of his new venture.

Political analyst, Professor Sam Koma, says it remains to be seen if Magashule will enjoy national or regional success, with the Free State being his stronghold.

Koma says this venture makes him think of other former ANC leaders who were expelled and later formed their won parties, like UDM leader Bantu Holomisa and EFF president, Julius Malema.

[WATCH] Members of the newly announced political party ‘ACT’ which stands for African Congress For Transformation are in celebratory mood chanting songs outside Sakhumzi restaurant in Soweto where their leader Ace Magashule is briefing the media. #Magashule pic.twitter.com/faoHxb5ltl

— Buhle Mbhele 🤍 (@buhlembhele_) August 30, 2023