ActionSA has launched coordinated actions against the ANC’s Kgoši Maepa, lodging a formal complaint with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and preparing criminal charges over an alleged disinformation campaign targeting Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya.

The dispute stems from public allegations that Tlopo Construction, a company doing business with the City of Tshwane, performed renovations at Moya's private residence using public funds.

ActionSA believes Maepa’s actions breach the Electoral Code of Conduct and contravene the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act of 2000, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to ten years.

ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont stated that these rumours had been "shopped around" to media houses since July by political opponents.

Beaumont accused Maepa of doubling down on the claims via social media, despite Moya reportedly providing journalists with financial proof that the work was paid for privately and completed by a different contractor.

Specifically, ActionSA alleges that Maepa shared posts on X using AI-generated WhatsApp chats to manufacture incriminating conversations between the Mayor and a contractor.

ActionSA’s formal complaint asks the IEC to investigate whether Maepa's conduct violates Clause 9(1)(b)(i) of the Electoral Code of Conduct, which prohibits the publication of false or defamatory allegations against a party's candidate.

Simultaneously, the party is initiating criminal proceedings under Section 69(2)(c) of the Municipal Electoral Act.

This section strictly forbids the distribution of false information aimed at influencing the conduct or outcome of an election. Under the Act, individuals found guilty face heavy fines or imprisonment for up to ten years.

Beaumont questioned Maepa's credibility by highlighting his controversial political track record.

He noted Maepa's past vocal support for fugitive and self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, as well as his defence of the late former Tshwane Mayor Murunwa Makwarela's falsified insolvency rehabilitation certificate.

Beaumont further noted that Maepa previously made unverified claims in May 2024, alleging that the Tshwane coalition government intentionally cut electricity as a form of "electoral sabotage".

With local election campaigning intensifying, ActionSA views the attacks as a sign of “ANC desperation” in a region where ActionSA says the yellow party is losing historic support.

ActionSA reaffirmed its absolute support for Moya, stating that the legal actions are a necessary shield against sponsored disinformation campaigns designed to derail her administration's progress.