Note to editors: The following statement was delivered today by Build One South Africa (BOSA) Leader, Dr Mmusi Maimane MP, at a press briefing in Johannesburg. Maimane was joined by BOSA Deputy Leader, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP, BOSA Member of the Gauteng Legislature, Ayanda Allie MPL, and BOSA Board Chairperson, Stevens Mokgalapa.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) holds this press briefing to react to a number of political developments that affect our party and its voters and supporters.
Today the party will formally respond to at least three recent developments affecting us:
- The recent tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU), in particular its possible reconfiguration;
- The National Dialogue following its first sitting; and
- The 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE).
Then, as we begin this next phase of the political year, our public representatives will take stock of our work in Parliament, in the Gauteng Legislature, and in communities across the country since the beginning of the year. It is vital to speak honestly about the state of our nation, about the opportunities before us, the dangers we face, and the solutions we are advancing.
National Dialogue
South Africa is in dire need of an appropriate and meaningful space to confront the shortcomings and failures of governance, while also addressing the deep set of moral and ethical crises facing our nation.
It would be irresponsible to allow a national conversation about the country’s direction and future to be reduced to putting the Government of National Unity on trial. An honest and incisive look at South Africa as a whole is required.
From the outset, evidence points to an undeniable moral and ethical deterioration in South African society. Horror stories of fathers killing their own children, girls as young as ten years old falling pregnant in staggering numbers, and unmitigated violence and despair ravaging communities has become part of our communal daily bread.
It is in this light that BOSA wishes to reaffirm our conceptual commitment to a form of National Dialogue, which the party has long called for. For it to be credible, the entire process must be truly inclusive.
As such we have formally penned a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting answers to public concerns about process, transparency, and funding. The President has yet to respond, and as soon as he does, we will communicate with the public on his response.
We again issue a stern warning that there will be no public tolerance for failure. Without transparency, genuine inclusivity, and a clear plan for follow-through, the National Dialogue lacks the gravitas and authenticity it requires.
In addition, in my capacity as Chairperson of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Appropriations, I wrote to Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana and National Treasury asking about the associated costs and conditions.
I have just received a response from the Minister of Finance, which I have tabled with the Standing Committee on Appropriations this morning. The Minister confirms that it is estimated to cost R485 million.
To put it into context, that could fund the repairs of 229 schools damaged by the recent Eastern Cape floods, still affecting 50 000 learners in some of the most under-resourced and forgotten schools.
It could also fund:
– Employing 2 972 teachers for a full year at R163 179 each.
– Feeding 497 000 learners for a 200-day school year.
– Building 2 425 RDP homes at R200 000 each.
– Providing 48 500 youth learnerships at R10 000 each.
– Supporting 24 250 start-ups with R20 000 grants
The Minister of Finance also revealed that R348 million of that amount will finance 13 760 “community dialogues” at ward, district and sectoral level. 72% of the total cost is on this single line item, which is difficult not to see as electioneering by government, and in particular the largest party in national government, the ANC. South Africans deserve transparency and honesty on this.
BOSA is of the firm view that the economy must be the central focus of the National Dialogue process. It is clear that South Africa urgently needs a credible economic recovery plan.
This would facilitate the improvement of citizens’ living conditions, creating new jobs and freeing up government funds to spend on services, which all rests on growing the economy at a rate as close to 5% per annum as possible.
However, after attending the first session, there appears to have been little forethought on this matter. The initial gathering was largely a brainstorming exercise without concrete, guiding documents to steer the discussion toward solutions.
Therefore, BOSA has taken a decision to present a bold, ambitious plan centred on reviving and reshaping South African society and the economy.
The Plan for Prosperity as it is called, will be formally unveiled at the beginning of September to the public. It will focus on the economy, investment and trade, education, healthcare, crime and corruption, and a professional government and civil service. Our team is hard at work compiling this plan.
We realise that achieving consensus and buy-in is vital for the plan’s success. Thus, we will write to civil society, business organisations, and other stakeholders with a draft document, to engage them, secure their input, and present this plan within the National Dialogue.
To be clear: this is not intended to be a parallel process, but as one that strengthens the dialogue by ensuring it is grounded in proposals with broad support and meaningful engagement.
Government of National Unity
BOSA wishes to address the Government of National Unity itself. The GNU has been in office for 14 months. What South Africans have seen and experienced is endless infighting at the expense of progress. On nearly every available metric and data point, there has been no progress.
We take no joy in this, because it is South Africans who suffer due to governance inertia. It is a sign that the time for the same old approaches is over. We need new voices, new ideas, and new vigour.
In light of this, we have taken note of media speculation about the reconfiguration of the GNU, many of which name BOSA as a possible new addition.
We can confirm we have not been formally approached by the ANC or any other GNU partners to join. That said, informal talks have taken place and are ongoing. The door remains open from both sides but is conditional.
Today we wish to present the clear conditions required for BOSA to consider joining the GNU.
- Composition: Any decision would be contingent on the eventual composition, particularly on new parties joining. For example, the EFF and/or MKP joining the GNU is a non-starter for BOSA.
- Non-Negotiable Values: A signed, firm commitment from all GNU partners to strive for a government and society based on non-racialism, upholding and defending constitutionalism and the rule of law, and pursuing justice through redress is essential.
- Governance Plan: Adoption of a governance plan, that is measurable in time, focused on:
- Attracting investment, growing the economy and creating jobs
- Eradicating crime and corruption
- Reforming education
- Fixing Eskom, Transnet and other SOEs
- Instilling ethical leadership at all levels
Without these prerequisite conditions, BOSA will not consider joining the GNU and bringing our values, expertise and experience to the table for the benefit of all South Africans.
The 2026 Local Government Elections
Finally, BOSA can confirm that talks are quietly underway with a number of parties on possible consolidation ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. An announcement is expected in the coming weeks, though the details are still being carefully worked out.
This development is guided by the principle of unity through diversity. Previous elections taught us that the fragmentation of multiple political entities at the local level does not serve citizens. Local government is about delivering for people: roads, water, electricity, sanitation, refuse removal, and other essential services. Achieving that, by moving beyond ideological and personality politics, will be the organising mission.
Sometimes, achieving real change requires setting aside egos and old rivalries.
The coming weeks may bring clarity on how unity could reshape the political landscape for the future, something BOSA is deeply excited about.
Media Enquiries:
Graham Charters – BOSA Director of Communications – 072 625 0440