Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi confident ahead of May polls

Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi is confident ahead of the upcoming elections in May, expressing optimism about the party's chances of securing a spot among the top five political parties in South Africa. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Zibi outlined the party's strategy and goals, emphasizing the importance of building a strong voter base and attracting disaffected voters from the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Zibi highlighted the significance of having a dedicated supporter base, stating that by the time of the election on May 29th, Rise Mzansi expects to have around 500,000 signed-up supporters. This number would potentially translate to about 12 seats in the National Assembly, with the possibility of securing even more seats to surpass the top five political parties in the country. The key demographic targeted by Rise Mzansi includes disaffected voters, particularly those who have previously supported the ANC but are now seeking alternative options. These voters are typically between the ages of 25 and 49, predominantly women, and spread across all nine provinces, with a focus on key regions like Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape. Central to Rise Mzansi's campaign message is the call for new leadership in South Africa. Zibi emphasized the need for a social democratic approach to governance, drawing parallels to countries like Germany and Sweden. The party advocates for a model that combines state involvement in shaping social and economic policies with a thriving private enterprise sector and robust social safety nets. Addressing concerns around black economic empowerment and transformation, Zibi emphasized the importance of measuring the impact of policies and interventions aimed at addressing historical racial disparities. He highlighted the need for targeted training and mentoring opportunities for black entrepreneurs, emphasizing the role of social development as a tool for transformation. In the context of potential coalitions, Zibi indicated that Rise Mzansi is open to discussions with a wide range of parties, including the ANC and the Freedom Front Plus. However, he underscored the party's commitment to principles of transparency and accountability, stating that no individuals tainted by corruption allegations would be considered for cabinet positions. As the May elections draw closer, Rise Mzansi is positioning itself as a viable alternative for voters disillusioned with the current political landscape. Zibi's confidence and strategic vision indicate a party ready to challenge the status quo and carve out a distinct path in South African politics.