JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG — Dr. Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), addressed the media to evaluate the party’s performance in the Local Government Elections, outlining a clear strategy for future coalition negotiations. While acknowledging that the initial results left the party not entirely satisfied, Maimane emphasized the importance of the foundational groundwork laid during their first municipal contest.
Speaking to journalists, Maimane expressed gratitude to the South African citizens who voted for BOSA. He noted that securing public representation across all contested metropolitan areas and several district municipalities is a vital starting point. However, he conceded that the party would have naturally preferred more seats. He described the current electoral outcome as a crucial reflective milestone, prompting the leadership to strategize on their path forward toward the 2024 and 2029 electoral cycles.
The BOSA leader detailed a three-pronged approach for the post-election period. First, the party intends to build upon the base established in this inaugural local government election. Second, they aim to intervene where necessary to stabilize fractured municipal councils. Third, and most importantly, Maimane stressed the need to prepare for 2029, with the ultimate goal of establishing a viable alternative center of political power in South Africa.
When pressed on the mindset of voters in highly contested areas like the City of Johannesburg, Maimane identified immigration and service delivery as the defining issues of the election. He highlighted the frustration of citizens forced to vote amidst severe service delivery failures, such as a lack of water. Maimane acknowledged the inherent difficulty of winning ward seats in a party’s first local government election, noting that many current ruling parties took two or three attempts to secure similar victories.
Despite a political landscape increasingly fragmented by identity politics, Maimane reaffirmed BOSA’s core mission. He stated that the fight to unite all South Africans remains a critical endeavor, regardless of the divisive nature of the recent electoral cycle.
With numerous hung municipalities emerging from the vote, coalition discussions are inevitable. Maimane confirmed he will personally lead the national team handling these negotiations. He set strict conditions for any potential partnerships, making it clear that BOSA will not support the reinstatement of individuals or parties responsible for the decline of municipal services.
“It would be unfair to say to the people of South Africa who asked for change that now we need to have a discussion to say let’s install those people back in,” Maimane stated.
He emphasized that BOSA will only participate in stable governments that present a clear plan to deliver services and eradicate corruption. The party will finalize its coalition partnerships only after the complete and final election results are officially tabled, allowing them to make informed decisions based on the definitive numbers.
