2029 South Africa's First Non-ANC Leader?

South Africa's first non-ANC president in 2029? In this interview, Mmusi Maimane discusses South Africa’s political future, coalition politics, non-racialism, and the possibility of the country electing its first non-ANC president in 2029. He argues that South Africa needs reformers focused on the future, not only on addressing the legacies of the past. Key topics Why Maimane left the Democratic Alliance and founded Build One South Africa, which he says better reflects his vision for a non-racial country. His concern that South African politics is increasingly shaped by racial, ethnic, and tribal identities rather than shared political ideals. How apartheid’s spatial legacy, unequal education, and economic inequality continue to reinforce racial divisions. Build One South Africa’s ambition to offer a centrist, non-racial alternative, attract younger voters, and play a role in coalition politics. Maimane’s opposition to the “balkanization” of South Africa and to political movements organized around ethnic or racial nationalism. Why he believes many former ANC voters are moving toward MK and the EFF rather than BOSA. How he would approach South Africa’s relationship with Washington, including the role of trade and broader African cooperation. His rejection of white genocide claims as a false narrative amplified by domestic political actors. Why Maimane describes himself as a reformer—and how he sees faith, Ubuntu, and shared values as sources of national unity. His belief that South Africa could elect its first non-ANC president in 2029, and why he thinks he could be that leader. Timestamps 00:00 — Could South Africa elect its first non-ANC president in 2029? 01:27 — Why Maimane left the DA and how he sees the political landscape 03:47 — What a de-racialized South Africa could look like 06:42 — Race, inclusion, and leaving the Democratic Alliance 08:34 — Why Build One South Africa is still growing 10:30 — Coalition politics and the role of a centrist “kingmaker” 11:29 — Where former ANC voters are going 13:24 — Coalition red lines and working with corrupt parties 14:32 — How Maimane would approach South Africa’s relationship with Washington 15:31 — The white genocide myth and its domestic political roots 18:23 — Trade and practical steps to ease tensions with the US 19:15 — Why Maimane wants to be seen as a reformer 21:07 — Mandela’s legacy and the need for a new generation of leaders 22:04 — Faith in a secular, multi-religious country 23:31 — Shared identity, churches, and the search for political unity 25:19 — Why Maimane thinks a non-ANC president could emerge in 2029 26:49 — Why he believes he could be that leader Notable quotes Copy “I want to be seen as a reformer.” Copy “Mandela was the Moses, he certainly didn't send us into the promised land.” Copy “I believe I could be” the first non-ANC president in 2029. keywords South Africa, de-racialization, coalition politics, economic reform, social unity, Musi Maimani, Build One South Africa, political change key topics De-racialization of South Africa Coalition politics and role of Build One South Africa Economic and educational reforms for equality Managing international relations and foreign policy Urban renewal and infrastructure in Johannesburg sound bites "Liberation movements fragment their surrogates, often the immediate beneficiaries." "Building a non-racial centre is essential for South Africa's future." "Johannesburg must be reimagined as a financial and technological hub." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.