In a potentially game-changing move ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, three South African opposition parties – Build One South Africa (BOSA), the GOOD Party, and RISE Mzansi – have officially merged to form a new political entity named Unite for Change.
The merger represents one of the most significant realignments in South African politics in recent years, aiming to offer voters a credible alternative to the country’s traditional political establishment.
According to a joint statement by the parties, Unite for Change will operate under “one name, one platform, and one purpose.”
The unified party intends to formally register with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in the coming weeks.
A Cross-Spectrum Coalition of Leaders
The formation brings together a diverse and influential leadership collective.
The newly formed party’s Leaders’ Council includes:
- Dr Mmusi Maimane, MP (Build One SA)
- Minister Patricia de Lille, MP (GOOD Party)
- Songezo Zibi, MP (RISE Mzansi)
- Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, MP
- MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, MPL
- Brett Herron, MPP
This cross-party leadership spans Parliament, provincial legislatures, and municipal structures, presenting a coordinated effort to reposition South Africa’s political centre.
The coalition’s founding statement emphasised that the alliance is not a short-term electoral pact but a “principled and meaningful union” built on shared values.
“This is a coming together of equals – leaders who have heard the call of the nation and are putting South Africa first,” the statement read.
Five-Point Agenda for Change
Unite for Change has outlined five core priorities as the backbone of its political programme:
- Capable and ethical leadership
- Local economic recovery
- Dignity through basic services
- Safety and justice
- Digitisation to drive smart governance and combat corruption
The new movement is set to launch a nationwide tour of town hall meetings and community dialogues this month.
According to party spokespeople, this consultative process aims to shape policy through grassroots engagement, prioritising community voices over top-down party directives.
Political Implications
The formation of Unite for Change marks a critical moment as disillusionment with traditional parties continues to grow.
With local government elections less than a year away, the new party could recalibrate the political landscape, especially in urban centres where voter turnout has declined and service delivery frustrations have mounted.
Analysts suggest that while the alliance faces significant challenges – including building organisational capacity and gaining national traction – its unified front and shared leadership could resonate with voters seeking a fresh political alternative.
Next Steps
The party is expected to submit registration documents to the IEC and unveil its formal manifesto in the coming months.
Meanwhile, the Leaders’ Council will begin mobilising supporters across provinces through its grassroots outreach strategy.
For more on the political shift and reactions from other parties, stay tuned to our ongoing coverage.
