Ace Magashule Vows Vigilance Against Election Rigging with New Party ACT

Breaking through the political panorama of South Africa, former ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule has come forward with resolute statements about the integrity of the upcoming elections while aggressively criticizing his previous party. Magashule, who now leads the African Congress for Transformation (ACT), addressed the public during a walkabout on Pietermaritzburg Church Street, promising a vigilant stance against any potential election malpractice.

Magashule held a firm tone as he claimed victory for the ACT in the subsequent elections. The conviction in his speech was evident as he said, "We’re going to win the elections, we’re very confident." This confidence stemmed from his intimate knowledge of the ANC's internal workings, with his promise that, "Our eyes are going to be open, because we know," signalling a solemn oath against corruption and electoral manipulation, which he insinuates to be familiar with from his tenure in the ANC.

This bold declaration came just moments before he found himself deflecting a question regarding past involvement in electoral rigging. His prompt “no” was a stark contrast to his preceding implication. Nevertheless, he used the opportunity to pivot criticism toward the current ANC government, specifically targeting the insufficiency of the R350 Sassa SRD grant, a topic he finds particularly vexing. Highlighting the inadequacy of the grant, Magashule suggested that the ANC exploits the struggles of black South Africans for political leverage, calling for "mental consciousness" over "black consciousness."

Magashule's political re-emergence takes shape with the ACT succeeding his expulsion from the ANC in June 2023. His launching of the new far-left party denotes a clear departure from his past affiliations and signals a challenge to the political status quo. The ACT has since garnered the alliance of former President Jacob Zuma's faction, uMkhonto weSizwe, setting the stage for what is flaunted as the "Magashule Zuma United Front." This alliance is posited as a transformative force, aiming towards a holistic and people-first governance approach.

As the South African political landscape braces for the forthcoming elections, Ace Magashule and the ACT stand vigilant against any forms of election rigging. Under his newfound banner, Magashule endeavours to traverse a path distinct from the ANC’s policies, emphasizing the need to address the public's concerns with authenticity and conviction.