By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former African National Congress (ANC) leader, Ace Magashule, has announced the formation of his new political party named African Congress for Transformation (ACT).
Magashule announced the formation of the new party at a briefing in Vilikazi Street, Soweto on Wednesday.
He said the creation followed consultation with “fighters”, activists and former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma.
Magashule claimed there has been a bitter war within the ANC, with the party moving away from its roots.
He said the party wants to act against crime, unemployment, poverty, retrenchments, privatisation, water shedding, load shedding, hunger, famine, femicide, abuse against women, and discrimination.
Magashule was expelled from the ANC in June this year after he failed to make representations to the national disciplinary committee on why his membership shouldn’t be revoked.
His expulsion came amid rumours that he was preparing to start his own political party ahead of the 2024 national elections.
It is unclear if Magashule’s new party has been registered with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
He said the ACT would be a home for “the weary and politically abused,” and called on the “homeless, the betrayed [and] the fatigued” to find a new political party.
“We are here because we have suffered collective betrayal as a people and a nation at the hands of the people who claim to be our leaders. We have been sold out with a few pieces of silver”, said Magashule.
“I want to say to all South Africans here is a ship of freedom — come along and join us, and all those who are weary and politically abused.”
He said that the leaders of the party come from different political parties and communities, and not just the ANC.
“We are not going to be a party of leaders — we are community leaders, we are activists, and that’s why… when we unveil our leadership, you are going to see people across different people; [people with] disabilities, people with albinism — all people, and all South Africans, “he said.
Magashule is currently facing criminal charges relating to a R255-million Free State asbestos tender, one of the many questionable deals that happened under his premiership in the province. Magashule’s graft trial has been postponed to 2024.