'I did not join the ANC for a job,' says Andrew Louw
Former opposition leader Andrew Louw, who recently joined the ANC during the party’s 114th anniversary celebrations.
Image: Facebook / ANC Northern Cape
FORMER provincial leader of the opposition benches in the DA and later ActionSA, Andrew Louw, says he is ready to “roll up his sleeves and serve the community” after joining the governing party during the ANC’s 114th anniversary celebrations in Colesberg on February 7.
Louw said he did not wish to elaborate on the reasons for his departure from ActionSA, except to say that there was “no bad blood”.
“I parted ways in good faith. It was not a decision that I took lightly. People thought it was AI when they saw me wearing a green, black and yellow T-shirt,” he said.
Louw explained that after spending 17 years in opposition politics, he no longer wished to “scream from the sidelines”.
“While I was one of the ANC’s biggest critics, I no longer wish to be a spectator. I want to become part of the collective and fix issues from the inside. I decided to close the chapter and move on since I discovered a connection with the ANC. It is time to renew the organisation and learn from past mistakes.
“I have a wealth of experience in politics and governance, and I have a number of proposals to fix burst pipes, dirt in the streets and other service delivery issues. I am willing to work anywhere my skills may be needed. I know the Northern Cape like the palm of my hand.”
He added that he would report to his branch leader in Ward 19 and assist in the campaign for the 2026 local government elections.
“I did not join the ANC for a job or a position. I come as a volunteer to make a contribution and make life easier for the people in my ward. I am here to support the people who are in positions. I am driven by love for the people of the Northern Cape. I am also involved in a family business.”
Louw stated that since joining the ANC, he had become aware of former ANC members who had decided to rejoin the movement.
“They said that if I have the guts to break away, then they would rejoin too,” he said.
ActionSA national spokesperson Matthew George said the party held “no view” on Louw’s decision to join the ANC.
“ActionSA wished him well upon his departure and does not intend to comment further,” George said.
He did not indicate whether ActionSA would contest the local government elections in the Northern Cape or who would take over the helm as provincial chairperson.