A Cabinet that is up to the task of tackling complex challenges and the formation of a unique coalition to rid South Africa of the decay happening under the watch of the African National Congress (ANC).

These were just two of a host of offerings laid out by former FirstRand chairperson Roger Jardine as his Change Starts Now party revs up for talks with like-minded organisations for a unique coalition ahead of the 2024 elections.

Jardine, who spoke at the party's launch on Sunday, said they were open to tapping into all resources at their disposal, including the private sector and civic society.

"We need a new government that shows care, empathy, and a deep connection with our people's daily struggles.

"And we need a government that wants to fix a broken state, a new government that understands that change starts now. 

"We must change the politics of this country. We cannot carry on with this. And there are many allies to be found on this journey towards change.

"Political parties, social justice movements, civil society formations, social partners, and others who will be listed in the effort. But how do we make this journey towards change a reality?" 

He said they would listen to the people and build a political charter to animate their political campaign. 

"We must agree on the priorities for building in the future and those priorities must be framed by our constitutional values of social solidarity at national transformation," added Jardine.

He said the Constitution stated no citizen should be left behind, and this was the foundation upon which the Change Starts Now movement was built. 

Jardine added they would speak to like-minded organisations while tapping into the world's brightest minds to form a government next year. 

"Our message is simple. If you believe in the values of community embodied in our Constitution, let's work together for the political change that will take us back to those values. 

"We must find a broad but pragmatic consensus on a new political order.

"We will have a multi-party Parliament next year. We have to demand that political parties use the decline of the ANC to create a Parliament that takes issues from communities and makes them a national priority," he said.

Jardine added they did not want a coalition that thought primarily about power. 

He said:

Instead, [we want] coalitions that center communities on their struggles and their voices. Our campaign is not just a political movement. It's a call to unite, to come together with others to form the broadest and most diverse coalition in our country's history. Our campaign aims to transform the South African land landscape for the better.

Jardine's comments come amid speculation he could be the face of the Multi-Party Charter (MPC). 

However, the MPC, stated it had yet to discuss the position of president, much less plans to endorse Jardine.  

The launch occurred at the Riverlea Empowerment Centre, where Jardine's family was also in attendance.

Social activist Mark Heywood announced he would join the party while Helen Suzman Foundation executive director Nicole Fritz has also joined as political counsel.

Moipone Molotlhanyi comes in as Jardine's chief of staff.

Former freedom fighter and United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Murphy Morobe will come in as the party's campaign director. 

Morobe said they had had countless hours reflecting on the state of South Africa's democracy. 

"We lamented the leadership void the country is feeling and experiencing across all sectors of our society.

"You can go to any sector of society, health, transport business, education, sports, and infrastructure.

"Some lamentations break your heart, and these are the realities of millions of South African people, 30 years of democracy," Morobe said. 

He added the party had its work cut out for them. 

"We also know that many South Africans have become disillusioned and despondent. Many people have simply lost trust in the government," Morobe said. 

At the launch, Jardine said he did not support the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill that would see non-governmental organisations (NGOs), religious organisations, and security companies being vetted by intelligence agencies.

He added should the bill be enacted it would effectively grant intelligence agencies the power to carry out mandatory security surveillance of any private individual institution, including Nonprofit Organisations (NPOs) and religious groups.

"I support and reiterate the concerns of civil society groups, including Intelwatch and the Campaign for Free Expression, which have warned that this bill would allow intelligence agencies unfettered access to every nook and cranny of our daily lives.

"Far beyond the legitimate scope of state intelligence," Jardine said.