JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG – Build One South Africa (BOSA) has officially announced its deputy leader, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, as the party’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate ahead of the local government elections expected on November 4. The newly unveiled BOSA Johannesburg mayoral candidate has outlined a strategic vision focused on stabilizing coalition governance, driving economic development, and addressing spatial injustice in the country’s largest city.
Navigating Coalition Politics and the First 100 Days
Hlazo-Webster, who currently serves as a Member of Parliament alongside BOSA leader Dr. Mmusi Maimane, revealed that accepting the nomination required months of deep consideration and prayer due to the grueling nature of the role.
Addressing the city’s history of a “revolving door” of mayors who fail to complete their terms, she emphasized that her first 100 days would focus on strengthening existing functional systems rather than just highlighting municipal dysfunction.
A central pillar of her platform is making coalition governments work. Hlazo-Webster argued that political infighting is crippling South Africa and that coalitions frequently fail when parties beg for positions rather than agreeing on a clear program of action. She stressed that successful coalitions require an agreed-upon mandate, clear deliverables, and the appointment of skilled individuals to critical roles, starting with the City Manager.
A Vision for a Modern Economic Hub
When asked to identify low-hanging fruit for the city, Hlazo-Webster pointed to the unfinished transit corridors project. She noted that expanding these corridors is essential for improving transport efficiency, expanding the mainstream economy, and addressing historical spatial injustice.
Looking beyond the city’s historical identity as a gold rush town, she envisions a modern African city capable of global competition. Her economic priorities include:
- Continental Trade: Positioning Johannesburg as the primary gateway for trade across the country and into the rest of Africa.
- The Digital Economy: Investing heavily in tech industries, asserting that Johannesburg has the potential to surpass Nairobi to become the true “Silicon Valley of Africa.”
- Manufacturing and Arts: Boosting the manufacturing sector and supporting the entertainment and arts media hub by streamlining permits and access to public spaces.
- Township Economy: Focusing on local economic development to build scalable enterprises in townships, supported by the right infrastructure.
Tackling Housing and Hijacked Buildings
Addressing the stark contrast between affluent suburbs and congested informal settlements, Hlazo-Webster proposed public-private partnerships to develop housing for young and upwardly mobile residents.
She took a firm stance on hijacked buildings in the central business district, promising strict law enforcement to reclaim these properties. She emphasized that reforming these derelict buildings is critical for restoring human dignity and eliminating severe health, safety, and criminal hazards.
Stance on Immigration and Law Enforcement
Touching on recent nationwide marches regarding illegal migration and the strain on public resources, Hlazo-Webster acknowledged the public’s frustration, noting that “scarcity creates hunger.”
She attributed the crisis to nearly two decades of national government failure to deliver public health, economic growth, safety, and secure borders. While holding the national government accountable, she affirmed that at the city level, BOSA will strictly enforce bylaws. This includes ensuring traders have valid permits and rigorously enforcing laws concerning illegal immigrants and crime across the board.
National Party Leadership
Addressing how her new mayoral candidacy impacts her role as BOSA’s national deputy leader, Hlazo-Webster clarified that she would retain her political position within the party’s executive.
She expressed confidence in the party’s deep bench of competent leaders who will manage day-to-day national operations. She specifically highlighted the capabilities of leaders such as Ayanda Ali and Roger Solomon, alongside other provincial and legislative figures, to steer the growing party forward while she focuses on the executive function in the city.
