‘I’m Not a Product of the ANC’: Ace Magashule Says His Political Identity Comes From the SA Masses

African Congress for Transformation (ACT) President Ace Magashule has declared that his political identity and public recognition are rooted in the people of South Africa rather than the African National Congress (ANC), insisting that his support extends beyond political party structures and media coverage.

“I’m not known because of the ANC, I’m known as Ace Magashule because of the people. I’m a product of the masses of South Africa, I’m not a product of the ANC,” Magashule said.

The outspoken politician also dismissed the suggestion that the media determines his public profile, using a striking weather-related comparison to describe what he believes is happening around him politically.

“I’m not a product of the media. They say it’s cold outside, But I’m feeling warm outside, it’s hot, things are happening,” he added.

Magashule’s remarks underline his continued efforts to position himself as a politician whose influence comes from ordinary South Africans, as he leads ACT following his departure from the ANC.

The former ANC secretary-general launched ACT in August 2023, months after his expulsion from the governing party. At the time, he presented the new political organisation as a platform for people who felt betrayed, marginalised or politically abandoned.

He also described ACT as a party centred on the interests of ordinary citizens, arguing that South Africa needed political leadership that prioritised the public rather than narrow political interests.

His latest comments reinforce that message, with Magashule emphasising the importance of grassroots support and suggesting that his political relevance cannot be attributed solely to his former party affiliation or media attention.

The remarks also come against the backdrop of South Africa’s increasingly competitive political environment, where smaller parties are seeking to expand their influence by appealing to voters dissatisfied with established political organisations.

For Magashule, the challenge is to translate his claims of popular support into measurable political backing for ACT. While his long political career and former leadership position in the ANC have given him considerable name recognition, the party’s ability to attract voters will ultimately determine its standing in the country’s political landscape.

His statement that he feels it is “hot” outside appears to convey confidence that political activity around him is growing, despite what he suggests may be a different impression created by the media.

Whether that confidence translates into broader electoral support remains to be seen.

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