Three opposition parties, Build One South Africa (BOSA), GOOD and Rise Mzansi, have joined forces to form Unite for Change, a centrist political movement that aims to restore trust in leadership and improve service delivery across the country.
The alliance plans to contest the 2026 municipal elections under one banner. It promises a fresh approach to governance centred on accountability, ethical leadership and active citizen engagement.
THE FACES DRIVING UNITE FOR CHANGE
The founding council of Unite for Change includes well-known leaders such as Mmusi Maimane, Patricia de Lille, Songezo Zibi, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa and Brett Herron.
The council will guide the registration of the new party with the Electoral Commission and help build strong local structures across South Africa. Moreover, candidate selection will focus on merit and community involvement. The movement also plans town halls and community dialogues to ensure citizens have a direct voice in decision-making.
“Unite for Change is about one name, one platform and one purpose. We are bringing people together to fix what government has failed to deliver,” said Maimane.
GOOD leader Patricia de Lille added, “Our focus is on practical solutions that improve lives in communities. We want citizens to feel heard and empowered.”
Meanwhile, Rise Mzansi’s Songezo Zibi said, “This party is about accountability and action. We aim to give voters a credible choice for change at local level.”
WHAT THE PARTY STANDS FOR
The movement has identified five main priorities: ethical leadership, economic recovery, reliable basic services, community safety and fighting corruption.
In addition, it aims to improve essential municipal functions such as roads, water, electricity, sanitation and transparent governance. These are long-standing challenges in many communities, and Unite for Change says its approach will be both practical and results-driven.
HOW THIS MOVEMENT COULD SHAKE UP POLITICS
ActionSA reportedly participated in early merger talks but ultimately chose not to join the alliance. Instead, it recently announced its mayoral candidate for the 2026 local elections, signaling its intent to compete strongly at the municipal level.
Meanwhile, Unite for Change is actively inviting civic groups and individuals to support its mission and strengthen the movement. Analysts believe the new party could reshape South Africa’s political landscape by consolidating centrist voices and offering voters a credible alternative to traditional parties. As a result, it may emerge as a serious contender in the 2026 municipal elections.
