Mashaba shuffles his cards, resigns from Joburg council

On Monday, Mashaba confirmed he tendered his resignation to the speaker of council the day before.

According to the politician, the move will afford "someone else the opportunity to gain this critical local government experience".

It's unclear yet who will fill Mashaba's shoes in council.

"I am very pleased to see the calibre of individuals that we have put forward as councillors, members of the mayoral committee and section 79 committee chairpersons," said Mashaba.

"Now that ActionSA's caucus is settled and our MMCs are actively pursuing programmes of service delivery in Johannesburg, it is time for me to step back and allow someone else the opportunity to gain this critical local government experience."

Mashaba now has his sights set on the 2024 general elections following a good run during the 2021 local elections.

"I have consulted my caucus and the senate of Action SA and there is agreement that my time must be spent leading the campaign to grow ActionSA into all nine provinces and to mount the challenge to the ANC in 2024.

"The important work of expanding ActionSA will require my constant travelling to setup structures across the country and my Council seat should be filled by someone who is fully available to the needs of the residents of Johannesburg," he added.

Mashaba's resignation comes amid several other shuffles in the political sphere, including the move by former Midvaal mayor Bongani Baloyi from the DA to Action SA.

"As the president of ActionSA, I will apply myself in the multi-party coalition to ensure stable and effective government that places the needs of residents first,” said Mashaba.

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