In the lead-up to the 2024 South African general elections, several prominent individuals associated with civil society organizations, civic think-tanks, and independent activism chose to contest elected office.
For example:
Songezo Zibi, co-founder of the civic hub and think-tank Rivonia Circle, launched the political party Rise Mzansi.
Mmusi Maimane, who had established the One South Africa Movement as a civic platform focusing on independent candidates after leaving formal party politics, launched the political party Build One South Africa (BOSA).
Zackie Achmat, a veteran social justice and healthcare activist, ran as an independent candidate for a seat in the National Assembly.