By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Former ANC secretary-general and African Congress for Transformation (ACT) leader Ace Magashule has issued a blunt call for the consolidation of black political parties, warning that fragmentation is crippling prospects for meaningful change ahead of upcoming elections.
Addressing supporters during a visit to QwaQwa on Thursday, Magashule urged leaders to abandon personal ambitions and unite under a single political banner to reclaim power and drive “radical transformation.”
“We have more than 500 parties, yet our people remain without real change. Why can’t we unite into one formidable force and govern?” he said.
“This is not about individuals chasing power—it is about delivering a better life for all.”
Magashule argued that political divisions among black-led parties are prolonging economic hardship and public frustration, while contrasting this with what he described as cohesion among white-led parties.
“The reality is simple: white voters largely rally behind two parties and they find ways to work together.
Meanwhile, we are divided—and our people continue to suffer,” he said.
*“We are ready to govern”*
Positioning ACT as a credible alternative, Magashule declared his party ready to take control of the Free State, citing his tenure as premier and long-serving provincial ANC chairperson.
“We know this province. We understand every municipality, every challenge. ACT is ready to govern,” he said.
He said the party boasts a broad mix of experienced leaders, professionals and grassroots activists, which he believes gives it an edge in addressing governance failures.
*Community-driven candidate selection*
Magashule said his week-long visit to QwaQwa focused on grassroots engagement, with ACT seeking to allow communities to nominate their own ward candidates—rather than imposing leaders from above.
“We believe communities must choose who represents them. That is real democracy,” he said.
*Coalitions on the table*
Despite his push for unity, Magashule signalled openness to coalition politics, saying ACT is willing to partner with any party committed to “genuine and radical change.”
But his message was clear: without unity, black political parties risk remaining fragmented—and ineffective—while voters grow increasingly disillusioned.
