ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba warns that the DA ‘will learn the hard way’

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has criticized the Democratic Alliance (DA) for its “arrogance” following remarks by Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku regarding the election of Nobuhle Mthembu as speaker of the City of Johannesburg.

On Thursday morning, Kayser-Echeozonjoku – the DA caucus leader in the Johannesburg council – criticised Mthembu’s installation, saying her inexperience would not aid the city.

“I do think she is a bit inexperienced. I do think we’re going to see fractures in that relationship between them [ActionSA] and the ANC,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku on Newzroom Afrika.

“The city needs experience.”

Mashaba slams DA’s ‘disrespect’

Mashaba has countered that this critique of Mthembu – ActionSA caucus leader in Johannesburg – as arrogant and disrespectful.

“They belief [sic] that they have the monopoly to decide who they partner with, including deciding for other political parties.

“It appears to me that they have no shame whatsoever to disrespect other people. Until they decide to humble themselves, they will learn the hard way,” Mashaba posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Mthembu officially replaced the African Independent Congress’s (AIC’s) Margaret Arnolds as speaker of the City of Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Mthembu (180 votes) beat the Democratic Alliance’s (DA’s) Nonhlanhla Sifumba (68 votes) to the position, who was nominated even though the DA wants the council to be dissolved and fresh elections held.

After the election, a triumphant ActionSA said Mthembu would work speedily to restore governance.

“The urgent work of stabilising the City of Johannesburg, restoring good governance and effective service delivery in the province now begins. Councillor Mthembu brings much-needed experience to this position that we will use to hold the CoJ administration to account,” read a statement on X (Twitter).

Mthembu’s election to head the city’s council concluded weeks of back-and-forth deals between the ANC, ActionSA and other parties, bar the Freedom Front Plus and the DA.

ActionSA set to punish DA in Tshwane

Mashaba’s statement that the DA “will learn the hard way” could be an early warning as tensions build in the City of Tshwane.

The ActionSA-ANC collaboration looks set to make changes in Tshwane, with Mashaba confirming on Wednesday that talks have started regarding the removal of mayor Cilliers Brink.

“I can confirm that discussions are underway [regarding a motion to remove Brink as Tshwane mayor]. We are consulting our structures on the ground,” Mashaba told eNCA

“Negotiations are underway” with the ANC on which party will get which position in Tshwane, Mashaba added.