Key Takeaways
- ActionSA is set to announce a merger with two political parties ahead of the local government elections
- The party has launched the "Green Umbrella Project" to bring together like-minded voices for optimal service delivery
- ActionSA has previously merged with Forum 4 Service Delivery, a political organisation with over 42,000 members and 38 municipal seats
- The merger aims to build a growing alternative to the current political establishment and provide effective service delivery to South Africans
Introduction to ActionSA’s Merger Plans
ActionSA is set to make a significant announcement on Monday, 26 January, regarding a merger with two political parties. This move is expected to have a substantial impact on the upcoming local government elections. According to ActionSA spokesperson Lerato Ngobeni, the party has launched the "Green Umbrella Project", which aims to bring together individuals who share a common goal of ensuring optimal service delivery to South Africans. The project seeks to unite people who are committed to public service and have the necessary qualifications to serve in the public sector. Ngobeni expressed excitement about the upcoming announcement, stating that it will be a significant development for the party and the country.
The Green Umbrella Project
The "Green Umbrella Project" is a significant initiative launched by ActionSA to bring together like-minded individuals and organisations. The project’s primary objective is to ensure that South Africans receive optimal service delivery, which is a critical aspect of good governance. By uniting people who share this goal, ActionSA aims to create a strong and effective force that can drive positive change in the country. The project’s focus on public service and qualifications is crucial, as it ensures that those involved are committed to serving the public interest and have the necessary skills to do so. This approach is expected to contribute significantly to the party’s efforts to build a better future for South Africans.
ActionSA’s Previous Merger with Forum 4 Service Delivery
In January 2025, ActionSA merged with the Forum 4 Service Delivery, a political organisation with a significant presence in the country. The Forum 4 Service Delivery has over 42,000 members and has contested the last two local elections, winning 38 municipal seats in five provinces. The organisation has a proven track record of effective grass-roots engagement with communities, including rural areas, despite having limited resources. ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba welcomed the merger, stating that it marked an important milestone in the party’s efforts to build a growing alternative to the current political establishment. Mashaba highlighted the importance of the Forum 4 Service Delivery’s capabilities, particularly its leader, Dr Kekana, who brings a high level of integrity and impressive qualifications to the table.
The Rationale Behind the Merger
The merger between ActionSA and the Forum 4 Service Delivery was driven by a shared desire to create a strong and effective opposition to the current political establishment. Mashaba emphasized that the time had come for opposition parties to come together and build a growing alternative that would be increasingly supported by South Africans who feel let down by the failed political establishment. The merger is expected to enable ActionSA to tap into the Forum 4 Service Delivery’s expertise in grass-roots engagement and community development, thereby enhancing its own capabilities and increasing its impact. By joining forces, the two organisations aim to provide a viable alternative to the current political landscape and deliver effective service to South Africans.
Implications of the Merger
The merger between ActionSA and the Forum 4 Service Delivery has significant implications for the upcoming local government elections. The combined strength of the two organisations is expected to pose a substantial challenge to the current political establishment, which has been criticized for its failure to deliver effective service to South Africans. The merger also demonstrates ActionSA’s commitment to building a strong and effective opposition, which is critical for a healthy democracy. By uniting with like-minded organisations, ActionSA is positioning itself as a viable alternative to the current political landscape, and its efforts are likely to be closely watched by South Africans and political analysts alike. As the country prepares for the local government elections, the merger between ActionSA and the Forum 4 Service Delivery is expected to be a significant factor in shaping the outcome of the polls.
