Magashule's road to 2024 will not be easy - analysts
Political analysts believe that former ANC Secretary-General, Ace Magashule, will have a tough journey to the 2024 general elections.
Magashule launched his new leftwing party called African Congress for Transformation (ACT) in Soweto on Wednesday.
The 63-year-old close ally of ex-president Jacob Zuma, was kicked out of the ANC in June this year over corruption allegations.
Political analyst Levy Ndou from the Tshwane University of Technology says Magashule will have to work harder to make an impact in the political space.
"Magashule has been in politics for quite some time, I think he does not have any other life outside politics. I think that is the main reason why he felt that he should form a new political party.
"Whether that is a wise move or not is something that we have to wait and see, but if he has to contest the 2024 elections, he would require extra effort and double the efforts than other political parties if he wants to make an impact in the South African politics."
Ndou says Magashule will struggle to garner enough support to make an impact.
"Before you form a party you need to read the ground, need to mobilise people and convince them to leave their parties and join yours. I don't think he has sufficient support that would make a huge impact in politics, not undermining him as an individual.
"But looking at him as a person and politician, I think he was fine when he was in the ANC, but for him to form a new political party that may have an impact in South African politics, that would have a huge impact, I really doubt."
Ndou says Magashule took too long to form his political party after his expulsion.
"He should have formed the party long ago. Magashule took too long," he added.
Meanwhile, political analyst Professor Theo Venter says the party is likely to take away some votes from the ANC.
"Magashule has got strong grassroots in the Free State. He also has support in the Vaal Triangle, and I am expecting him to mobilise enough support for himself to get to Parliament because he only needs 45,000 votes. I don't think Magashule will be in Parliament with more than 1% of the support, and the negative part of the party is that the support will primarily be from the ANC. He will take the ANC support for himself, but I don't think in large numbers."
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