Mmusi Maimane warns of local government capture ahead of elections

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has warned that poor governance and the misuse of municipal institutions risk entrenching ‘local government state capture’ following the upcoming November 4 elections. Maimane stated that the current level of instability makes national state capture look like ‘a picnic’ and called for citizens to demand change regarding municipal leadership instability.

BOSA has announced plans to contest 24 municipalities across Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, the Free State, and the Western Cape. The party intends to field 794 candidates, with significant numbers earmarked for major metros including Johannesburg, Tshwane, Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, and Mangaung. The party noted that its candidate selection process emphasizes professional experience and the skills necessary for effective governance.

In a related critique of the political landscape, Dr. Mabutho Shangase of North-West University argued that South African political parties often prioritize mobilization and winning elections over the essential task of statecraft. Shangase suggested that the focus on rhetoric and identity often comes at the expense of building and maintaining strong state institutions, leading to institutional decline and stagnation.