EKURHULENI, Gauteng — Build One South Africa (BOSA) has officially unveiled Nongelo Chiume as its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, marking a significant step in the party’s rollout for the upcoming local government elections on November 4. The announcement, made during a meet-and-greet event on the East Rand, positions the multi-award-winning arts administrator at the forefront of BOSA’s mission to restore ethical governance and drive economic reform in the metro.
A Political Novice with Deep Community Roots
Nongelo Chiume transitions from the creative arts space into the political arena. The son of the late legendary South African actress Connie Chiume, he is a multi-award-winning arts administrator and brand strategist who has spent over two decades working across the arts, culture, and community development sectors. He previously served as the national secretary-general of the South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum.
BOSA Deputy Leader Ntombeko Hlazo-Webster, who officially unveiled Chiume, praised his extensive background. “What stands out is not only his achievements but a full commitment to serve,” Hlazo-Webster stated, describing Chiume as a dedicated “servant leader” and organizer who has consistently worked to uplift communities.
Mmusi Maimane Defends Non-Traditional Candidates
Addressing Chiume’s status as a political novice, BOSA Leader Dr. Mmusi Maimane firmly defended the party’s strategy of fielding non-politicians. Maimane argued that traditional political credentials are no longer the primary metric for effective leadership, emphasizing that many of the country’s current challenges stem from career politicians who have lost touch with the daily realities of citizens.
“Democracy can never be distant from the people,” Maimane stated. He expressed pride in fielding candidates who have never been in politics, framing it as a strength rather than a weakness. “Others say that means you are weak; I say it means we are strong. It means South Africans want to solve their own problems.”
A Blueprint for Anti-Corruption and Economic Revival
Ekurhuleni has recently faced intense scrutiny over governance failures, with some critics describing the metro as a “den of corruption.” Dr. Maimane outlined a robust anti-corruption strategy, which includes strictly separating political influence from administrative functions to ensure competent professionals run the city.
To combat graft, BOSA proposes introducing blockchain technology to track the flow of public money and simplify lifestyle audits. “Transparency is the antidote of corruption,” Maimane asserted, promising to lift the veil on secret dealings and ensure strict accountability.
Chiume’s Vision: “Innovation for Prosperity”
Accepting the candidacy, Nongelo Chiume pledged to prioritize basic service delivery, create job opportunities, and tackle the systemic corruption plaguing the metro. He described Ekurhuleni’s current state as unacceptable, emphasizing that the city’s decline is not due to a lack of ambition among its youth, but rather a failure of leadership.
“To the many communities who are still waiting… you have not failed. Government has failed you,” Chiume told supporters.
His platform focuses on “innovation for prosperity,” aiming to boost investor confidence and revitalize the city’s declining manufacturing sector. “We are builders,” Chiume said. “Our approach is not to dwell on politics, but on getting things done.”
BOSA’s Broader Metro Rollout
The Ekurhuleni announcement is part of BOSA’s broader strategy for the November 4 polls. The party has already unveiled its mayoral candidates for other major metros: Ntombeko Hlazo-Webster will lead the charge in Johannesburg, while national spokesperson Roger Solomons has been named the candidate for Cape Town. BOSA is also expected to announce its candidate for the City of Tshwane in the coming weeks as the political landscape heats up ahead of the local government elections.
