ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has announced the recruitment of former MK Party Mpumalanga leader Mary Phadi as the party’s provincial campaign manager, as well as the appointment of MP Dereleen James as provincial chairperson in the Western Cape.
Mashaba made the announcement on Saturday during a media briefing, following a three-day Senate strategic planning meeting where leaders from across South Africa gathered to map out an assertive election campaign.
ActionSA’s Election Strategy
The party’s campaign will focus on community issues, while aggressively tackling the collapse of basic services, crime, drug abuse, and unemployment. According to Mashaba, the discussions at the Senate meeting centered around the question of how to take the party’s message directly to South Africans frustrated by failing municipalities, deteriorating infrastructure, corruption, rising living costs, and lawlessness.
The South African government has been criticized for its handling of these issues, and ActionSA is positioning itself as a viable alternative. Mashaba stated that the party remains guided by the principle that South Africans must come first in every decision they take.
Phadi’s Appointment
Phadi, a former leader in the MK Party in Mpumalanga, brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the community and a proven record of standing at the forefront of community struggles. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move by ActionSA to strengthen its presence in the province.
However, Phadi’s past is not without controversy. She was expelled from the MK Party in October 2024 for allegedly violating the party’s constitution and misusing party funds. The Mbombela High Court later ruled that her membership had been lawfully terminated.
Despite this, Mashaba is confident that Phadi’s experience and community roots make her an ideal candidate for the role. The party’s campaign in Mpumalanga is expected to focus on key issues such as job creation, infrastructure development, and crime reduction.
Some of the key priorities for ActionSA’s campaign include:
- Improving basic services such as water, electricity, and sanitation
- Reducing crime and increasing safety in communities
- Creating jobs and promoting economic growth
- Addressing corruption and promoting transparency in government
Mashaba also announced the appointment of Dereleen James as ActionSA’s provincial chairperson in the Western Cape. James is expected to play a key role in the party’s campaign in the province, focusing on issues such as education, healthcare, and social development.
