FORMER DA leader and One SA movement activist Mmusi Maimane will run for president in 2024 as a candidate for his new political formation.
Maimane, flanked by his wife Natalie, launched the Build One South Africa party in Soweto on Saturday.
Maimane revealed this week that he would return to mainstream politics, but only unveiled the party's name and logo at the launch.
The rest of the party's leadership was also unveiled and introduced to the public.
The party’s co-founder, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, was named deputy leader, while Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s newly elected deputy mayor and Abantu Integrity Movement councillor Mkhuseli Jack was announced as the party's chairperson.
It is unclear at this stage what this means for the governing coalition in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Maimane said South Africa needed change, and that his party would be that change.
“When people ask why I’m back, I tell them I’m back for more. I don’t know about you, but this country needs change,“ Maimane said.
Maimane also vowed to make sweeping changes to the government should he be elected in 2024.
"It’s time for change. We are speaking to you from Naledi in Soweto. Naledi is a beautiful word because it means a star. People have asked me about the logo for (Build One South Africa), and I have said it’s because we are a nation of stars. Our country is never short of superstars.
“Our country has produced people like Trevor Noah, Thuso Mbedu, and Elon Musk. We’ve produced Nobel laureates like Nelson Mandela and Archbishop (Desmond) Tutu. I am here to tell you that, come 2024, do not panic, do not worry," Maimane said.
He also promised to put together a capable cabinet should he be elected.
"Not only am I standing for president, but I want the best cabinet this country can offer," Maimane said.
The launch was attended by both young and old, and hosted by actor Siv Ngesi.
Party spokesperson Mudzuli Rakhivhane said she and her colleagues were tired of sitting on the sidelines.
"Our political system is broken. The problem with a broken political system is that it doesn’t affect politicians – it affects me, and it affects you.
"Our broken political system is destroying our collective future, which is why fewer and fewer people vote each year, indicating that we are sick and tired of a broken system. We are sick and tired of the people responsible for the broken system," she said.
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