ActionSA president Herman Mashaba said on Thursday that the return of more than 50 Gauteng ActionSA activists serves as a reminder of the need for "transparency and accountability" in politics.

He marked the occasion as a “homecoming” as he welcomed back over 50 community leaders and activists who had left ActionSA after the 2021 local government elections.

The party said the community leaders and activists agreed to return to the party following recent discussions with Mashaba.

The ActionSA leader said the return of activists was also aligned with the party's commitment to refining its candidate selection policy, to ensure that the party prioritised those with a "proven track record of results and strong community backing".

Mashaba argued that this was not a bureaucratic exercise, but that the party recognised that future electoral success hinged on the party's ability to connect with and uplift its constituencies.

Mashaba said the return of the more than 50 community leaders and activists was a strategy to strengthen the party's presence in Gauteng’s townships.

"These activists, who previously left or were dismissed, have chosen to rejoin us after considerable reflection, reaffirming that ActionSA remains their political home. The importance of this reunion cannot be overstated. As we approach the next electoral cycle, it is imperative that we acknowledge the realities of the political landscape in Gauteng, especially in our townships. In recent months, we have seen a shifting tide in public sentiment, and it is crucial for ActionSA to reconnect with the grassroots leaders who understand the unique challenges and aspirations of their communities," he said.

Party constituents must feel heard and empowered to hold leaders accountable, Mashaba said.

"This is a core principle of ActionSA, and we are committed to upholding it in every aspect of our work," he stated.

ActionSA will also focus on creating platforms for dialogue between elected representatives and the communities they serve.

"...this will help foster a sense of ownership among residents regarding the decisions that impact their lives. It is crucial that our activists feel empowered to voice their opinions and contribute to the shaping of policies that affect their communities," he said.

The insights and experience of activists would be invaluable as the party worked to reclaim ground in areas where it had previously struggled, Mashaba argued.

"These activists’ deep-rooted connections and credibility in their respective communities will enhance our outreach efforts, making our party more relatable and accessible to the voters we need to engage with most. By reintegrating these community leaders into our ranks, we are not only bolstering our organisational capacity but also amplifying the voices of those who have been at the forefront of fighting for change. They understand the pulse of their communities and can help us craft solutions that resonate with voters’ concerns," he explained.

Mashaba noted that the party wanted to empower these activists to not only represent their communities but to actively shape the policies that affected their lives.

"Our objective is clear: we want to make ActionSA a formidable force in the upcoming local government elections. We recognise that winning in the townships is not just about mobilising votes; it’s about building authentic relationships and partnerships within these communities. The return of these activists is a vital part of this strategy, and we are committed to empowering them to take on leadership roles that reflect their expertise and dedication," he stated.