Ace Magashule’s new political ACT: Former ANC SG launches new party

Expelled former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has moved political homes, creating a new far-left party called the African Congress for Transformation (ACT).

Magashule announced the formation of the new party at a briefing in Vilakazi Street, Soweto, on Wednesday.

It is unclear if the new party has been registered with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

He said the creation of ACT followed consultation with “fighters”, activists and former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma.

Among those joining the party was former Hawks head General Berning Ntlemeza.

ALSO READ: Disgraced Magashule expelled from ANC

Magashule claimed there has been a bitter war within the ANC, with the party moving away from its roots, and ACT would be a home for those who had been politically “abused”.

He alleged some ANC members had invited the ACT leadership to a “cadre assembly”, and hoped to convert some of his former colleagues.

He called his new party a “ship of freedom”, steered by the people, and sailing to the “promised land”.

Watch: Magashule on what he’ll do with his ANC T-shirts

Magashule was expelled from the ANC in June after being charged with misconduct by the party for illegally suspending President Cyril Ramaphosa.

His expulsion was met with mixed reactions, with some supporters claiming they would follow the politician wherever he went next.

“I didn’t even know he was expelled but if he starts his own party, I will go with him,” an elderly protester, who identified herself only as Koko, told The Citizen in June.

Ace recruits Berning Ntlemeza

Former Hawks head Ntlemeza said he joined Magashule’s new party because the country needs “an alternative”.

Watch: Ntlemeza on why he joined ACT

Ntlemeza formed his own investigations company, Itucare, after being removed from The Hawks.

Ntlemeza was found to have lied under oath when he submitted an affidavit in the labour court matter involving former Gauteng Hawks head Shadrack Sibiya. Judge Elias Matojane ruled that Ntlemeza lacked integrity and was not fit to hold public office.

The then acting Hawks head had said Sibiya had played a role in the illegal deportation of five Zimbabweans in 2010.

In 2022, the Labour Appeal Court ruled that Sibiya be reinstated by the police and was entitled to back pay of 14 months.