Mashaba: ‘Tell Helen Zille to take them’ amid ActionSA defections

Cape Town – ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has told Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chair Helen Zille that she is welcome to take any of his party’s councillors who want to defect, amid reports of internal tensions within ActionSA’s Johannesburg caucus.

As reported by The Citizen,  Mashaba directly addressed the defections and unrest within his ranks.

“Please tell Helen Zille the sooner she takes these people, the better,” he stated.

Mashaba emphasised his party’s strict stance on loyalty, explaining, “We cannot force people to be loyal. But if you are not loyal, we are going to get rid of you. Loyalty is not something that you can buy. When someone is not loyal, and you discover it, then you must get rid of that person.”

He further noted that ActionSA would not tolerate disloyalty or irresponsible public representatives, adding that the party was actively investigating those involved.The comments come in the wake of high-profile defections, most notably that of former ActionSA councillor Mandla Nyaqela.

According to Daily Maverick, Nyaqela defected to the DA along with over 50 members from Soweto branches, describing ActionSA as a “cult” under Mashaba’s leadership. Nyaqela stated that the party operated through “bullying and suppression of dissenting voices” and accused it of being a “power-mongering organisation” that sold false hope without real influence.

As stated by Nyaqela during the crossover event in Dobsonville, Soweto, “We must tell the truth, ActionSA is selling hope to the people of this country, ActionSA is selling hope to the residents of the City of Johannesburg. I am from inside; I know they do not have power.”

He further branded Mashaba a “dictator,” according to reports from News24, claiming there was “no space for debate” and that members acted like “zombies” following orders.

Mashaba had earlier welcomed Nyaqela’s exit as timely, citing ongoing performance reviews and disciplinary processes. ActionSA described the departure as sparing the party unnecessary proceedings, with caucus leader Marcel Coutriers highlighting the party’s commitment to accountability.