LISTEN | Ace Magashule launches new party, ACT

Expelled former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has launched a new political party. 

Just months after being expelled from the ANC for contravening party rules and the constitution, Magashule has launched the African Congress for Transformation (ACT). 

The party is expected to contest the 2024 national elections.

Magashule has wasted no time in launching his new political home after his expulsion from the ANC, a party he served from an early age.

The ANC national disciplinary committee in June found him guilty of contravening the party's constitution by failing to withdraw and apologise for his decision to suspend party president Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2021. 

The party later expelled Magashule.

The ACT's launch took place at the popular Sakhumzi Restaurant in Soweto.

Magashule said the party belongs to those who have “suffered collective betrayal as a people and a nation at the hands of people who claim to be our leaders”. 

“We have been sold out with a few pieces of silver. Many towns are collapsing such as in the Vaal where Iscor was sold, leaving scores unemployed,” he said. 

According to Magashule, the ANC of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo has been “betrayed and its sacrifices are now in vain. The legacy of our leases is spit upon with impunity”.

State-owned assets were being privatised with SAA “sold for a song”. 

Eskom will also be privatised “soon”, he said.

ACT will act against crime, unemployment, poverty, retrenchments, water-shedding, load-shedding, hunger, famine, women abuse, discrimination and human abuse. 

“Here is a new ship of freedom, come and join us, all those who are weary and politically abused,” he said. 

“No surrender, no compromise, no retreat. It’s life or death. Victory is certain. Solidarity, freedom and prosperity.” 

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