By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
ActionSA have announced former MP Patricia Kopane as its Free State leader weeks after her resignation from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
ActionSA’s leader Herman Mashaba made the announcement this morning in Bloemfontein.
“This announcement is the latest in a series of high profile individuals who will be joining ActionSA this year following an inspiring 2021 local government elections,” Mashaba said.
“It also forms part of a critical component of ActionSA’s development – the deepening of our leadership pool.”
Mashaba described Kopane as a “formidable” woman who will grow ActionSA to new heights.
She is one of a number of former DA members to join the movement.
Former DA Midvaal mayor, Bongani Baloyi, became the party’s Gauteng’s provincial chairperson in January, followed by former Gqeberha DA mayor Athol Trollip a month later and Gauteng MPL Michael Shackleton in April.
Kopane said, I am proud to announce that today I have been appointed as the ActionSA Free State Provincial Chairperson entrusted with leading this province to the 2024 election and to deliver our offer for a better Free State.”
“I am now a true Actioner.”
Kopane’s career in the DA spanned over two decades. She resigned as Free State DA leader in 2020 and indicated that she would not stand for another term. And three weeks ago she resigned from the party stating that she no longer felt like she belonged.
Mashaba said he made it his goal to have a leader in each province before the start of 2023.