Faizel Patel, Radio Islam – 10-12-2019
Author and New24 Editor in Chief Adriaan Basson says he believes former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane will form a new party that could change the face of politics come the next general elections.
In an opinion piece, Basson explores the idea of Maimane and Former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba shaking up the political arena ahead of the 2021 Local Government Elections.
Maimane and Mashaba have launched what they call the People’s Dialogue – a platform which they say would be used to discuss how to forge a better future for South Africa.
Basson states that with about 18 months left before voters go to the polls, Mashaba and, Maimane, have enough time to explore the feasibility of a new, black-led social democratic party that could attract disgruntled voters from all three the established parties.
Basson says while Maimane has indicated that a new political party is not viable, this is may not be the case.
“Politicians ultimately want to win elections. That’s why they become politicians. They like power and they want to be in power and they think that they can induce power to take advantage of the citizens of the country.”
Basson says Maimane and Mashaba are going to have think deep and hard about being honest if they are going to form a new party.
“What’s going to be very important is that they take this project of theirs broader than the DA. It shouldn’t be seen as a DA light, as a kind of disgruntled DA membership party. It should other sectors of society that currently do not feel that they belong in either the ANC, the DA of the EFF.”
Basson says Maimane and Mashaba are going to possibly use the idea of a new generation of politicians to attract potential supporters and voters.
Listen to the interview with Adriaan Basson
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