Fighting for Change, Dr Senathi Fisha
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A growing political presence for the All Citizens Party is becoming visible in parts of Limpopo and Gauteng, where community meetings and local engagements are drawing increasing attention.
The developments come amid renewed national political debate following the Constitutional Court ruling on the Phala Phala related parliamentary process involving President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled that Parliament’s earlier handling of impeachment proceedings was unconstitutional, requiring the matter to be reconsidered through proper parliamentary procedures.
Increased attendance and engagement at All Citizens Party gatherings, particularly in Limpopo and Gauteng, where organisers say interest in alternative political voices is growing. In Limpopo, outreach has included engagement with community structures and traditional leadership figures. Some members of Pedi traditional leadership structures have attended party engagements, which supporters interpret as growing alignment between community leadership and the party’s governance message.
Party leader Senathi Fisha, a psychiatrist and president of the All Citizens Party, said the momentum reflects dissatisfaction with current political leadership and a desire for change. “We are seeing communities respond directly to a message of accountability and decisive leadership,” she said.
“People are tired of promises. They want action they can see in their daily lives.” She added that South Africa’s governance challenges require a fundamental shift in how leadership engages with citizens. “The problem is not only policy failure,” she said.
“It is the gap between leaders and the people they serve. That gap must be closed if the country is to move forward.”
The All Citizens Party has focused its early efforts on local government engagement, which Fisha says will serve as the foundation for broader national participation in future elections. She has also been critical of the ruling African National Congress, arguing that South Africa needs more accountable and responsive leadership.
Political analysts say that while grassroots momentum can signal early traction for emerging parties, long term success depends on organisational strength and sustained voter support across multiple election cycles. Despite these challenges, The Star’s reporting suggests that the All Citizens Party is beginning to gain recognition in selected communities, particularly in Limpopo and Gauteng. Fisha said the party’s approach is rooted in direct engagement rather than political rhetoric. “We are not here to repeat old patterns,” she said. “We are here to build something new with the people, not above them.”
Senathi Fisha said South Africans are increasingly looking for political leadership that prioritises dignity, service delivery, and genuine engagement with communities rather than internal political battles.
“People are exhausted by politics that only becomes visible during campaigns,” she said. “Communities want leaders who remain present after the rallies are over and who understand the realities citizens face every day.”
Fisha said one of the key lessons emerging from the party’s engagements is that many citizens feel their concerns are routinely ignored until protests erupt.
“Residents should not have to burn tyres or shut down roads before government listens to them,” she said. “A functioning democracy requires ongoing dialogue between leaders and communities, not crisis management after public anger reaches breaking point.”
She said young people in particular have expressed frustration about unemployment and limited opportunities despite years of political promises.
“There is deep disappointment among the youth,” Fisha said. “Many young South Africans are educated, capable, and ambitious, yet they remain excluded from meaningful economic participation. That frustration is growing across both rural and urban communities.”
According to Fisha, the All Citizens Party wants to promote a political culture based on accessibility and transparency.
“We are encouraging a style of leadership where public representatives can be questioned directly by the communities they serve,” she said. “Leaders should not become distant figures once they enter office.”
Fisha also said communities have responded positively to the party’s emphasis on ethical leadership and responsible governance.
“South Africans are not asking for miracles,” she said. “They are asking for honesty, competence, and leaders who respect public resources. Trust can only be rebuilt when citizens see accountability applied consistently.”
She said the party believes social cohesion and economic progress are closely linked to restoring confidence in public institutions.
“When institutions fail, communities lose faith not only in government but in the democratic process itself,” Fisha said. “Rebuilding that confidence requires leaders who are willing to serve with humility and discipline.”
Fisha added that many residents have voiced concern about corruption and the misuse of public funds while poverty continues to deepen.
“Communities see projects announced with great fanfare, yet very little changes on the ground,” she said. “People want transparency on how money is spent and why service delivery targets are repeatedly missed.”
She said the party’s long term strategy is centred on sustained grassroots engagement rather than short term political visibility.
“We are building relationships community by community,” Fisha said. “Real political change is not built overnight. It comes from trust, consistency, and a willingness to work alongside the people.”