Former BOSA MPL Ayanda Allie Explains Why She Left the Party
Ayanda Allie, the former Gauteng Member of the Provincial Legislature for Build One South Africa (BOSA), recently spoke about her decision to join ActionSA. She clarified that the controversy surrounding the party’s 10 % levy was not the main reason she left BOSA.
The Levy Was Only a Symptom
During a media briefing, Allie said she did not want to dwell on the past, but felt it was important to address the levy question out of respect for the press.
“The party levy was a manifestation of a much deeper issue,” she explained. “Nobody leaves a political home over 10 %, and nobody fires their sole representative at the legislature who did the best they could.”
She described the levy dispute as “the fruit” of a larger problem, not the root cause.
Why Parties Ask for Levies
Allie acknowledged that financial contributions are a normal part of party life.
- Every political party expects members and public representatives to pay a levy.
- The amount or percentage may vary, but the practice is widespread.
- Paying the levy shows that representatives have “skin in the game” and are part of a collective effort.
She stressed that elected officials have a responsibility to their parties, just as parties have a duty to support those who serve under their banner.
A Symbiotic Relationship
Allie likened the bond between a party and its representatives to a partnership:
“I view this as a symbiotic relationship. A responsibility from the public rep to pay her dues but there’s responsibility from the party to support the public rep in fulfilling their constitutional mandate.”
When both sides meet their obligations, the relationship works well and leads to better service delivery. If one side falls short, the partnership becomes unequal and problems arise.
Support in ActionSA
Allie pointed to examples within ActionSA where the party actively helps its representatives:
- Dr Nasiphi and Dereleen James receive strong backing from the party.
- When communities face crises such as shack fires or water damage, the party mobilises resources to assist.
She said this kind of support is essential for representatives to meet their constitutional duties and respond to local needs.
Future Plans with ActionSA
Although she is not currently required to pay a levy because she is working for the party rather than holding a public office, Allie said she would comply with any future levy requirements if deployed.
“If the call is made for me to occupy any public office on behalf of ActionSA, I will have to adhere to the terms and conditions and I would have to pay the party levy just like any other member does already and is expected to do.”
ActionSA president Herman Mashaba confirmed that levies are expected only from those already serving in public office, not from party staff working behind the scenes.
Conclusion
Ayanda Allie’s departure from BOSA was driven by deeper organisational issues, not merely a disagreement over a 10 % levy. She believes a healthy party‑representative relationship depends on mutual responsibilities: members contributing financially and parties providing tangible support. Her move to ActionSA reflects her desire to be part of a organisation where that balance is already evident, and she remains ready to fulfill any future obligations should she take on a public role.
