ActionSA has welcomed the recent judgment by the Johannesburg High Court, which dismissed the case brought by a former councillor challenging their dismissal for non-performance.
The party had previously taken decisive action in September, removing several Johannesburg councillors due to poor performance, following a comprehensive performance management process.
The move forms part of ActionSA’s broader commitment to holding public representatives accountable and ensuring that those serving in office perform their duties with diligence and integrity.
According to ActionSA National Chairperson Michael Beaumont, the decision to remove underperforming councillors was taken during a Senate meeting earlier this year.
“ActionSA unapologetically manages a public representative, and the fact that we act against underperformance, and don’t reward it, sets us apart from other parties,” Beaumont said.
Beaumont said the councillor and others affected had sought to generate public sympathy, but the High Court found in favour of ActionSA, reaffirming the party’s authority to enforce performance standards.
He emphasized that the judgment underscores not only the party’s right but also its duty to performance-manage public representatives.
“South Africa has suffered greatly at the hands of established political parties that have dumped upon them public representatives who fail with impunity,” he added.
The party confirmed that similar measures are expected in other municipalities as part of an ongoing internal review aimed at improving governance and service delivery.
“ActionSA intends to continue monitoring the performance of its representatives and, where necessary, replace those who fail to meet the required standards with individuals who demonstrate stronger commitment and accountability,” Beaumont added.
The dismissals, though initially scheduled earlier in the year, were implemented following careful consideration and due process, demonstrating ActionSA’s adherence to transparent and structured internal governance.
Beaumont said the party takes pride in enforcing these standards, highlighting that accountability is central to its political philosophy.
“We will continue to performance-manage our public representatives and ensure that our leadership reflects the competence and dedication that citizens deserve,” he concluded.
The Star
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