Mmusi Maimane Rules Out Working With MKP, EFF or Racist Parties As BOSA Sets Conditions to Join GNU

• Build One South Africa would consider joining the Government of National Unity provided some conditions are met
• Party leader Mmusi Maimane detailed who his political movement wouldn't work with and why
• South Africans shared mixed reactions to the news, with some criticising Maimane for his statement

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG - Build One South Africa (BOSA) has no intention of entering into a toxic marriage or a coalition with racist and divisive parties.

That’s according to party leader Mmusi Maimane, who weighed in on the possibility of the party joining the Government of National Unity (GNU). President Cyril Ramaphosa recently confirmed that the GNU could be expanded to include other political parties.

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The Freedom Front Plus rejected the idea, saying the African National Congress (ANC) was doing it to cling to power. The ANC is yet to approach BOSA about possibly joining the coalition, but Maimane explained what it would take for him to say yes.

What does BOSA want?

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, 21 August 2025, the BOSA leader outlined several conditions that needed to be met before his party would join the coalition. The first condition centred around the composition of the GNU, particularly the new parties joining.

“For example, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and/or uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party joining the GNU is a non-starter for BOSA,” the party said in a statement.

Maimane reiterated in his speech that they didn’t want to work with parties that would divide the country.

"We are non-negotiable on our values. We are not going to work with people who are racist and who want to divide this country. We won't work with people who are not going to uphold and defend our Constitution," he said.

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BOSA won’t get into a toxic marriage

The former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader also added that the party would not join the GNU simply for the sake of joining it.

"We are not people who simply go along for getting along sake. South Africa is in crisis, so I’m not going to be invited into a fight between the ANC and the DA," he said.

He also stressed the importance of effective opposition parties, saying that their role would be weakened if everybody hastily joined the coalition.

You can watch his speech below.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users were divided by Maimane’s comments, with many noting that he was previously a part of the DA. While a few people showed support for him, others questioned what his small party could bring to the GNU.

Khayalam Khayalethu said:

“He is just talking. When the deal is introduced to him, he will grab it with both hands.”

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Alton Betsha asked:

“Is he now referring to his 0.001 percentage to join the GNU?”

Dikgang Serame stated:

“This man is very brilliant. A good leader.”

Mlungisi Mtana noted:

“I thought when he left the DA, that could have been the reason. But in the GNU, he would prefer to work with them, but not the EFF and MK. Wololo, abo Maimane balahlekile seriously.”

Xolani Khabazela stated:

“He is bargaining with his 0,5%. What value is he going to add to the GNU?”

Kenny Sebiloane said:

“We know the FF and DA are racists, those two. Maimane knows Zille very well.”

Rorisang Blessedkidd Ndou asked:

“Is this the very same Mmusi that was the leader of the very same people he is now crucifying? Wow. This is why I don't trust politicians.”

Harold Martiens stated:

“This one also voted for VAT increase, Bathong, they are all the same.”

MK Party not interested in joining GNU

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Briefly News reported that the MK Party responded to reports that the ANC may expand the GNU.

The Party denied that the ANC approached it, and the Economic Freedom Fighters.

The MK Party also said it wasn't interested in joining after John Steenhuisen did not support its inclusion.

Source: Briefly News