'You don’t have to stay loyal in politics. It’s NOT football!' – Mmusi Maimane

Thabo Shole-Mashao speaks with Mmusi Maimane, Member of Parliament and leader of Build One South Africa.

Listen below.

Over his political career, Maimane has played several different roles.

He joined the Democratic Alliance in 2010 and became the first black leader of the then-opposition party in 2015.

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He stepped down from the DA in 2019, stating they had fundamental differences.

“My politics are politics of all South Africans. I reject the idea notionally that you can build a party that is exclusively for one race, and I felt that became the ultimate battle inside the DA.”

- Mmusi Maimane, Member of Parliament - Build One South Africa

In 2020, he started the One South Africa Movement, which advocated for electoral reform and, in 2022, he founded Build One South Africa (BOSA).

Maimane says that, unlike his support for Kaiser chiefs, which remains solid no matter what, his political views have evolved.

“Football you stay loyal, marriage you remain loyal... but politics? No!”

- Mmusi Maimane, Member of Parliament - Build One South Africa

One thing that has shifted his political views is becoming a father as it makes issues more personal.

“Ultimately, the decisions you make and the issues you advocate for become issues that become personal in your own home.”

- Mmusi Maimane, Member of Parliament - Build One South Africa

For example, he says watching his children’s school careers highlighted the importance of reforming higher education.

Additionally, having a teenage daughter has highlighted the reality of gender-based violence.

“If it must happen for my child, it must happen for every child.” 

- Mmusi Maimane, Member of Parliament - Build One South Africa

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.