ActionSA on Thursday welcomed the Gauteng Legislature’s appointment of John Moodey as the chairperson of the provincial Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), promising to chair the committee without fear or favour.

ActionSA Gauteng caucus leader Funzi Ngobeni explained that his party offered to chair the provincial Scopa in accordance with the established practice that this role be led by an opposition party.

Ngobeni pointed out that this decision was made in the context of ActionSA's position as a “constructive opposition”, with no agreement with the incumbent coalition, and with the understanding that the party would be a tough opposition.

Earlier this week ActionSA president Herman Mashaba announced that his party would adopt the role of “constructive opposition” in the City of Johannesburg.

Ngobeni highlighted that the role of a Scopa chairperson was essential, especially within the context of the coalition in the province.

He said a strong government needed a counterbalancing opposition force that leveraged the considerable powers of a Scopa chairperson to hold the government to account, including the ability to subpoena government officials, political office bearers, and State vendors.

Ngobeni said it was evident that Gauteng’s coalition needed to be held accountable by a “strong, rational opposition”.

“Moodey, with his extensive history of public service, having previously served as a member of the provincial legislature from 2004 until 2020, brings invaluable skills and insight to the committee to ensure executive accountability,” he noted.

He said ActionSA would fulfil the role of Scopa chairperson without fear or favour to ensure that any corrupt activities were prohibited, and public money was spent on service delivery.