By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba took a significant step towards the upcoming elections by unveiling Funzi Ngobeni as the party’s choice for Gauteng Premier.
Ngobeni’s announcement was more than just a formal introduction; it was a clarion call for change in Gauteng.
The provincial leader and the now Gauteng premier candidate Ngobeni addressed scores of party supporters in downtown Johannesburg on Thursday.
“In 2024, all residents of Gauteng will have ActionSA on the ballot papers. It is now a time for government to lead the people. If we can fix Gauteng, people will believe that we can fix South Africa,” he emphasised.
Ngobeni said that for many years, the province had shifted from its core roots of basking as the economic hub and had become a shadow of its former self.
“What was once an industrial hub in the province has rapidly declined over time, under the neglectful and corrupt eye of the current government. Rather, our economic growth has regressed, which in turn has caused our industries to shrink and our unemployment rate to rise to dangerous heights.
“We have witnessed businesses shutting down, new investments drying up and millions forced to languish in poverty.”
He told his party supporters that the upcoming general elections were an opportunity to unseat the incumbent organisation.
Furthermore, Ngobeni said it was now the time for ActionSA supporters to chart a new way forward that will lead to prosperity for the province.
Thursday’s announcement meant that the party would have all nine premier candidates across the country.
On Tuesday, Mashaba announced Angela Sobey as the party’s Western Cape candidate.
Mashaba made the commitment that his organisation would prioritise the revitalisation of the city through reclaiming hijacked and neglected buildings.
“Newtown, situated at the centre of the City of Joburg, is the lifeblood of arts, history and entertainment.
“However, failure by the ANC government to maintain and prioritise the industry has resulted in dilapidated buildings that once housed great artists and artefacts that contributed immensely to our economy,” said Mashaba.