'Time for bold leadership': Rise Mzansi's Zibi pushes youth participation in local government

Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi says the Unite for Change movement—formed by his party, the GOOD party, and BOSA—aims to encourage greater youth participation in local government politics.

The movement on Sunday launched its candidate selection portal as it seeks to contest the next elections under a single banner.

In the hunt for mayoral candidates, Zibi stresses that candidates must "bank on themselves" and those who understand their daily lived experience. He asserts that now is the time for bold leadership.

READ: Unite For Change opens recruitment process for councillors to contest municipal elections

"If we try the same thing that has been tried before, we will not succeed. You can’t keep trying the same thing and hope to get a different result. It is now time for new leadership, it’s now time for bold leadership."

Given South Africa’s significant youth population, Zibi says a substantial number of councillors must be under the age of 40.

"So, we must go out and talk to people who do not believe they can become a councillor, who do not believe they can become a mayor. If we think they are capable, we must recruit them. We must recruit upwards. Now is the time to believe."