Action SA leader Herman Mashaba visited his hometown of Hammanskraal on Saturday to assess service delivery challenges and launch new party branches in preparation for the 2026 local government elections.
Service Delivery Challenges in Hammanskraal
The area has long faced critical infrastructure issues, including water shortages and dilapidated roads. Mashaba, who grew up in Hammanskraal, expressed mixed emotions about returning, noting that while some road repairs were underway, decades of neglect under successive governments had left the community struggling.
“When I grew up here, we didn’t even have tar roads. After 1994, they were built, but there was never any maintenance,” Mashaba said. He criticized the Democratic Alliance (DA), which governed Tshwane from 2016, for failing to improve conditions.
Water Crisis and Coalition Government’s Response
Hammanskraal gained national attention in 2023 following a cholera outbreak linked to contaminated water. Mashaba acknowledged that while some areas now have clean water, the problem persists in others. He confirmed that Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya would provide updates on the water project, which was prioritized after Action SA and other coalition partners took office.
“People here have been subjected to undrinkable water for almost 20 years,” Mashaba said, recalling his own childhood struggles.
2026 Election Preparations
Mashaba emphasized Action SA’s commitment to grassroots mobilization, stating that the party was actively establishing branches to ensure a strong presence ahead of the 2026 polls.
“We need black South Africans to embrace the democratic process. If we get our people to vote, we can ensure a government that listens,” he said.
Criticism of ANC-DA Coalition
He accused the ANC-DA coalition of bending policies to accommodate business interests, particularly after billionaire Johann Rupert advocated for SpaceX’s Starlink to operate in South Africa.
“It hurts me deeply as a black South African that our government is willing to change laws to suit those who hate us,” Mashaba said, vowing to challenge the move in Parliament.
Looking Ahead
As Action SA strengthens its structures, Mashaba remains focused on service delivery and social justice, positioning his party as an alternative to the ANC and DA. With Hammanskraal as a key battleground, the 2026 elections could prove pivotal for the growing opposition movement.