Ousted African National Congress secretary general, Ace Magashule, revealed on Wednesday the establishment of a new political party in South Africa, the African Congress for Transformation (ACT).
A close associate of former president Jacob Zuma, he was removed from the ruling party just two months ago, subsequent to being found guilty of contravening its constitution.
During a press conference in Soweto, he characterised the party as “a fresh vessel for liberty”.
“I invite all South Africans to join us. Those who are fatigued and politically mistreated. We have collectively endured betrayal as a people and a nation from those who assert to be our leaders. We’ve been betrayed, with minimal pieces of silver,” he conveyed.
While the ANC’s reputation has suffered in recent years due to allegations of corruption and mismanagement, Magashule also confronts criminal charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
These charges are connected to the alleged misappropriation of public funds set aside for the eradication of asbestos from government-constructed residences.
He has also stood up for his former superior, Zuma — who is also confronting allegations of corruption — as the target of a vindictive campaign.
Magashule, who maintains popularity among portions of the left-leaning electorate, remarked that the ANC was “swiftly veering towards the right and deserting its centre-left stance.”
“I’m dissatisfied because the ANC of Oliver Tambo, the ANC I joined for over 43 years, is not the contemporary ANC we recognise,” he voiced.
The new party encompasses numerous former members of the ANC. Whether ACT has been formally registered with South Africa’s electoral commission remains uncertain.