Jardine: South Africa needs new social contract

South Africa is gearing up for its upcoming elections, with new political parties entering the arena. One such party is Change Starts Now, led by Roger Jardine. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Jardine discussed his transition from a corporate leader to a political figure, citing a growing concern for the state of the nation as his motivation. He emphasized the need for all South Africans to come together to address the country's challenges, pointing to the importance of diverse experiences and skills in politics. Jardine highlighted the critical issue of unemployment as a top priority, calling for a significant infrastructure investment to create job opportunities and boost economic growth. He criticized the government's handling of problems like load shedding and emphasized the need for a more people-centric approach to governance. Jardine's vision for Change Starts Now revolves around social solidarity and a collaborative effort between the private and public sectors to address the country's pressing issues. While avoiding traditional labels like capitalist or socialist, he proposed a social democratic approach focused on problem-solving rather than ideology. When asked about his priorities as president, Jardine outlined a plan that includes honest leadership, economic reforms, poverty alleviation, public safety, and healthcare improvements. Despite being a newcomer to the political scene, Jardine remains optimistic about his party's prospects in the upcoming elections, urging observers to wait for future polling data to reflect Change Starts Now's impact. Overall, Jardine's message calls for a new social contract in South Africa, one that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens and a collaborative approach to governance.