Councillor Novina Pillay is back with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane after a tumultuous time in ActionSA. Warmly welcomed by DA members, Pillay expressed her excitement to reconnect with the party she initially left due to personal challenges.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Pillay clarified that her departure from the DA was not politically motivated. "Leaving the DA wasn't a political reason. I had some personal problems," she explained.
After resolving her personal issues, Pillay joined ActionSA, drawn by the promise of a fresh approach to politics.
"It seemed like there was hope for South Africans, a new party. Things they said were nice, but with the people who came into the party, things started changing," she said.
Her time in ActionSA, however, proved to be disheartening. Pillay said she felt sidelined by her caucus for over a year and grew increasingly frustrated.
"What made me angry with ActionSA was that I was sidelined by my own caucus. I invited the leadership to Eersterust in Tshwane to address issues, but they never showed up. I mentioned it a few times, but it was never attended to," she revealed.
Now back in the DA, Pillay says her priority is serving the community, not pursuing higher political office. "I’m content serving as a councillor. I want to see people's lives being made easy and their struggles minimised. I love being with the people. That’s my passion," she said.
ActionSA, however, dismissed her move as insignificant. National Chairperson Michael Beaumont accused the DA of exaggerating Pillay’s role within ActionSA, calling her portrayal as a "senior leader" laughable.
"Pillay has never held any office in ActionSA and has served only as a councillor. The DA’s desperation to distract from their governance failures in Tshwane is evident," said Beaumont.
He highlighted ActionSA’s recent achievements under Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya, including resolving Tshwane’s R6.7 billion Eskom debt. "While the DA focuses on stunts, Dr. Moya is addressing the delivery backlogs they left behind," Beaumont added.
For Pillay, returning to the DA is about reconnecting with the community in Tshwane. "I want to feel their pain, understand their struggles, and do what I can to help," she said.
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