JOHANNESBURG - ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba says the “forgotten people of South Africa” have made their voices heard at the polls.
Results show the party has won at least 54 wards across Gauteng’s metros.
Mashaba says the results mark a significant moment for the six-year-old party, which regrouped after the 2024 elections.
READ: eNCA MarkData | DA leads ANC, ActionSA emerges in top three in Joburg
He says he chose to focus on building the party on the ground rather than taking up a seat in Parliament.
Mashaba thanked voters in areas including Orange Farm and Alexandra, while blaming 32 years of ANC corruption and mismanagement for failing communities.
Asked about coalitions in Gauteng, Mashaba took a swipe at the DA.
READ: eNCA MarkData | ActionSA, MKP and ANC gunning for control of Soweto
''You remember 2024, I came here and took you into confidence and admitted that the biggest mistake we made in 2024 was our association with the DA," he said.
"We then informed South Africans that we’re an independent party. When we talk about coalitions, let’s talk about all parties; the DA is not special to us. I actually get crossed that each time we’re asked about the DA in the media."