ActionSA has unveiled a Mayoral Campaign Governance Team for the City of Johannesburg, describing the structure as a “government-in-waiting” ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
The announcement was made on Saturday, 23 May, at Orlando Community Hall in Soweto and forms part of the party’s #OperationFixJoburg campaign, which is aimed at positioning a leadership bench it says is ready to assume municipal governance if it wins control of the city.
ActionSA leader and Johannesburg mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba said the initiative comes amid what the party describes as worsening service delivery failures, economic decline, and a breakdown in governance in South Africa’s largest metro.
He said the move represents a shift away from what he called “slogans and empty promises”, arguing that the party is building a structured alternative to current city leadership.
“Johannesburg does not lack potential but lacks leadership. The city requires a professional public service led by competent and ethical leaders committed to turning Johannesburg around,” Mashaba said.
Mashaba said the team is made up largely of professionals from outside traditional party politics, with experience in law, engineering, finance, public safety, diplomacy and community work.
Each member has been aligned to a specific municipal portfolio and is expected to assume executive responsibility should ActionSA win the 4 November 2026 local government election.
The team includes:
Tumi Sole, nominated for MMC for Development Planning, is a legal professional with more than 15 years’ experience in mining, metals and broadcasting, and founder of the #CountryDuty movement.
Cllr Marcel Coutriers, nominated for MMC Public Safety, is ActionSA’s Johannesburg caucus leader and a former South African Police Service member with 22 years’ experience in policing and community safety.
Cllr Mpumi Edward has been named for MMC Finance. She chairs the Section 79 Finance Oversight Committee and has more than 25 years’ experience across banking, retail, education and SARS.
Dr Bongani Mabizela is the candidate for MMC Environment and Infrastructure Services. He is a civil engineer and former senior City of Tshwane official with experience in roads and stormwater infrastructure management.
Botsang Modimowame Moiloa will contest MMC Economic Development, bringing experience as a political commentator, public servant and diplomat.
Cllr Sarah Wissler is nominated for MMC Health and Social Development, while Tshepo Mashiane will handle Sports, Arts and Culture.
Cllr Lebo Mokoka is the candidate for Transport, Nandi Ndaba for Group Corporate and Shared Services, and Zandile Dabula for Human Settlements.
Dabula, founder and former member of Operation Dudula, is known for her activism on immigration and housing-related issues.
Mashaba said housing remains one of Johannesburg’s most pressing challenges, pointing to long-standing backlogs and the expansion of informal settlements.
He also highlighted Dabula’s activism on immigration and its impact on service delivery pressures, saying her work has included engagement with government structures and public mobilisation on socio-economic issues.
“Zandile has brought national attention to the impact of illegal immigration in South Africa,” he said.
Mashaba said her role is intended to connect community concerns with policy discussions at municipal level.
He said the announcement is the first of its kind in Johannesburg politics, arguing that it presents a full leadership structure ahead of an electoral mandate.
“This marks the first time in Johannesburg’s governance history that a mayoral candidate has openly introduced residents to the talented pool of professionals who will work alongside him in the fight to #OperationFixJoburg,” Mashaba said.
He added that the initiative is not simply campaign messaging but part of a longer-term governance strategy.
“Our #OperationFixJoburg is not merely an election campaign but a fight for the future of this city,” he said.
The party said the team reflects its focus on rebuilding administrative capacity and restoring what it describes as ethical, service-driven governance in Johannesburg.
The Star