ActionSA in Gauteng happy to occupy opposition benches, vows to hold govt to account
ActionSA is among four new parties that will be represented in the provincial legislature for the first time.
ActionSA supporters at the party's manifesto launch at Ellis Park, Johannesburg 23 March 2024. Picture: @ActionSA/X
JOHANNESBURG - ActionSA in Gauteng has assured its voters that it will use its three seats in the provincial legislature to hold the provincial government of unity to account for possible shortfalls.
ActionSA is among four new parties that will be represented in the provincial legislature for the first time.
Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo is presiding over the legislature's first sitting on Friday, which will elect a premier and other presiding officers.
While most political parties have welcomed the African National Congress' (ANC) proposal to form a unity government, others were quick to reject it.
ActionSA is one of the parties that have labelled the formation of a multi-party government as disingenuous.
READ: Gauteng set to have a new govt as legislature holds first sitting
The party's Gauteng chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, said ActionSA would gladly occupy the opposition benches.
"There must be an opposition and if the other parties are in a coalition with the ANC, then someone needs to hold them accountable," Ngobeni said.
Meanwhile, Rise Mzansi provincial chairperson, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, said she was glad the party is represented in the Gauteng Legislature.
"I think this is a very big moment. I definitely don't take this moment lightly. We have been entrusted by thousands of the residents of Gauteng to represent their voices," she said.
At the same time, provincial ANC chairperson, Panyaza Lesufi is likely to retain his seat in the premier office.