Jardine’s Change Starts Now is out of the 2024 elections race

New political start-up Change Starts Now will not contest in the 2024 national and provincial elections, the Former FirstRand Group chair Roger Jardine’s leader has announced.

After only launching its political manifesto on 19 February, Jardine said the “…recent Constitutional Court ruling and the barriers it imposes on newly established political parties”, which means Change Starts Now “like several other parties, faces a prejudicial, logistical timetable to qualify for the ballot.”

JARDINE OFFERS SUPPORT TO PARTIES WHO SHARE VALUES

“We have therefore taken a decision that, while we believe that it is essential to give voters as much encouragement to vote by providing them with a range of options, in the interests of increasing the chances of political change, we offer support to political parties who share our values and the aspirations that we believe voters are looking for,” Jardine said.

Please take note of our latest media release. pic.twitter.com/3H3Y3uq5se

— Roger Jardine (@RogerJardineZA) February 29, 2024

According to the Daily Maverick, on Monday, South Africa’s apex court declined to hear a matter relating to signature requirements for unrepresented political parties on an urgent basis.

RIVONIA CIRCLE AND BOSA PARTY PETITION CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

Political think tank Rivonia Circle and Mmusi Maimane’s Build One SA (Bosa) had petitioned the Constitutional Court in December 2023, to urgently finalise its decision on how many signatures new parties which are not represented in any of the legislatures needed for the elections. 

Jardine launched Change Starts Now on 10 December in Riverlea, Johannesburg. Many residents of the crime-ridden community needed to be convinced of Jardine’s presidential bid, questioning the timing of the party’s launch. 

CHANGE STARTS NOW’S R1.5 TRILLION REDEVELOPMENT PLAN – JARDINE

The party’s leadership comprised some familiar faces, including veteran activist and former Maverick Citizen editor Mark Heywood, former Helen Suzman Foundation director Nicole Fritz, the Progressive Health Forum’s Dr Aslam Dasoo, and former UDF leader and Thabo Mbeki speechwriter Murphy Morobe. 

During its manifesto launch, the party said South Africa needed a R1.5 trillion redevelopment plan to become a self-reliant country where opportunity, safety, and prosperity are accessible to all.

“We imagine a South Africa where every individual capable of working is meaningfully employed, with those who are not supported through social assistance and quality healthcare,” said Jardine at the manifesto launch.

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