Action SA's Herman Mashaba Warns of a Failed State Scenario if ANC Prevails in National Elections

Herman Mashaba, the founder and leader of Action SA, recently voiced strong concerns about South Africa's future should the African National Congress (ANC) secure another victory in the national elections. During a candid interview with BizNews, Mashaba outlined a sobering landscape of what might transpire should the ruling party maintain its grip on power — a descent into a failed state status, overshadowing the struggles once faced by Zimbabwe.

This stark warning comes in the wake of repeated instances of urban decay in Johannesburg, a metropolis that has witnessed the ravages of infrastructure failure, reflected in frequent fires in neglected buildings, gas explosions, and damage due to flooding. These events are not isolated tragedies but a reflection of broader municipal and governmental neglect, according to Mashaba. Action SA, under his leadership, presents itself as the antithesis to the ANC, promoting urgent and dramatic change in the political arena.

Mashaba specifically called out the ANC for what he sees as its lack of patriotism and disregard for the challenges faced by ordinary South Africans. The entrepreneur-turned-politician called upon the majority black population, particularly the youth, to exercise their electoral power to initiate a change in governance. He argued that their participation is critical in averting the further deterioration of the nation's wellbeing.

Reflecting on the earlier days of the post-apartheid era, Mashaba pointed to Bophuthatswana and its leader, Lucas Mangope, as examples of progressive governance despite limited means, hinting at a squandered potential for national prosperity. He contrasted his own business experiences pre-1994—a time when government intervention was minimal—with the overbearing and often corrupt involvement of the state in economic matters today.

Turning to the current crises, including rampant unemployment, especially among the youth, endemic corruption, and persistent power outages known as load shedding, Mashaba argued that the ANC's incompetence is deep-seated. He criticized the appointment of underqualified cadres to key positions and the enforcement of political interference over bureaucratic independence, culminating in systemic dysfunction.

Mashaba's hardline stance suggests that should the ANC return to power post-2024, the country could plunge into a period of escalating disasters, decrying the organization as not just corrupt but wholly unprepared and incapable of governance. Not claiming to be a prophet, he nevertheless paints a picture of doom that he fears may come to pass.

With South Africa standing at a crossroad as it approaches the national elections, Mashaba's sentiments ring as both a prophecy of despair and a call to action. He reminds voters of the weight their ballots carry and the potential they hold to alter the country's trajectory drastically.